The Essence of Time (Test Piece for Brass Band)

Peter Graham wrote The Essence of Time as the set work for the 1990 European Championships which were held in Falkirk in Scotland in 1990. Since that time it has proved to be one of the most popular test pieces for bands at the Championship and First Section level.

The piece takes it's inspiration from The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 and commences: "To every thing there is a reason, and a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; a time to be born; a time to dance; a time to love; a time to hate; a time to die; a time to mourn; a time for war; a time for peace."

It is in effect a piece based on variations on a central theme which attempt to portray the individual characteristics of the moods of the activities listed. "The Essence" is left to the interpreter and the listener to decide.