Set Test Pieces 2024
On this site, you can see the set test pieces for this year's Aalborg Music Festival. You can also read about the pieces and the thoughts behind them from the composer or arranger.
The pieces will be emailed to the bands on the 1st of March.
Section Open
Fallout | Theme from the game Fallout 4
Inon Zur arranged by Ubbe
Arranged for Aalborg Music Festival 2024
About Fallout's World
Fallout is an alternate history, essentially the 1950s vision of the future after a worldwide nuclear war. The transistor was never widely adopted, so technology never "miniaturized" or became sustainable as it did in our world. The USA never quite moved past the cultural norms of the 1950s, and in 2077, the world's resources were so depleted that the Third World War broke out, destroying the Earth. We are now about 200 years in the future, and descendants of survivors from that war are creating new societies, dealing with the inhospitable world full of new, mutated life and using the old world's technologies. There are everything from primitive tribes with machine guns next to their superstitions to outright civilized and scientific societies reaching for the old world's glory. This is the world of Fallout. Much has changed, but "war, war never changes."
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About the Piece
The original composer (Inon Zur) states that with his work on the Fallout games, he aims to showcase "duality." In this case, the duality manifests in "the despair of war – but also hope for the future." He notes that players are always "torn between the despair and darkness and all the dangers lurking in the world," and to portray this, minor and major chords are combined for the "bittersweet Fallout feeling." It is "very simplified," says Zur, but it "works every time."
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A Note from the Arranger
The arranger is an active amateur brass musician who enjoys meeting with brass friends week after week. "That gamer music has something special," quote from Ubbe.
Section A
Hymn Tune Arrangement | Margaret
Peter Graham
This arrangement was made at the request of General Eva Burrows as a prelude to a presentation of the Christmas message during the 1987 Carols at Christmas Festival. The words associated with the tune, in this instance, are published in the Salvation Army Song Book No 101:
'Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown When thou earnest to earth for me;'
The setting of the first verse and subsequent development seek to create a mood of serenity. Nothing should be overdone here---the aim should be for smoothness, particularly in the sustained passages at B where a legato approach to the moving quaver figure is essential. The setting of the final verse at C takes on a programmatic mantle. Familiarity with the words will contribute to a greater understanding of the music:
'When Heaven's arches ring, and her choirs shall sing,
At thy coming to victory. Let thy voice call me home, saying: Yet there is room.
There is room at my side for thee!'
And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When thou comest and callest for me.
Section B
Song Setting | Secret Prayer
Erik Leidzén
Song settings, like all other short pieces which contain a well-known melody, are very useful additions to the band library. In this setting a familiar tune has been accorded unusual and interesting treatment; this being more in the mood of the original words, Oh, the voice to me so dear.
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Introduction. This is, of course, the verse. It is plainly scored with a Horn melody supported by low, rich chords. Watch the intonation in the chromatic progressions.
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Section A. An important feature here is the imitation figures given to upper Cornets and 1st Trombone. Separate rehearsal of the Horn figures will assist clarity of texture.
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Section B. The supporting of a major melody by a minor harmonic scheme provides new and fascinating features in the course of this section. Technically, all is easy, but the attainment of a good result may not be so simple. It is suggested that the Trombone and Bass group are rehearsed separately, paying special attention to the positioning of the tenuto and sforzando markings. Add the melody (in thirds), finally bringing in the Euphonium and Cornets. Do not overlook the Percussion: alternate Bass Drum and Cymbal beats.
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Section C. A change of key ushers in a new setting of the chorus. It is laid out in typical 'Leidzén' manner, and smooth, effortless entries are called for. A climax is reached in bar six, but do not overdo the strength.
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Section D. The Euphonium is of importance in the first two bars. This is followed by an extended phrase in the Horns. The general feeling must be of relaxing tension, moving to a quiet close. The Cornet and Trombone trio is featured again in a brief muted phrase.
Section C
Abide With Me
Sam Creamer
Another useful arrangement for ANZAC Day, or anytime throughout the year, by Sam Creamer.
Very little difficulty will be encountered by the players; however it will be important to establish and maintain a breadth of style that is suitable for this wonderful old tune.
Don't allow the semiquaver figures to be rushed; they also need to be played with a flowing, broad style.
While the drum kit part adds to the score it should not dominate the sound but bring it's own tone colour to the arrangement.
