Test piece:
Malcolm Arnold Variations, Martin Ellerby

Adjudicators:
Eric Crees, David Read, Philip Sparke

Draw: 0900hrs
Commences: 1000hrs

Live Comments

What do we think?
A very enjoyable day with a test piece that brought the best and worst out of players and conductors. Two bands stood out for us with Fodens having the real stamp of class to take the title.

Carlton Main should push them all the way after a very fine show though.

Behind them its very close to call but we opt for Tredegar, Rothwell, Treize Etoiles and Fairey with Reg Vardy as a dark horse.

1. Fodens Richardson
2. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
3. Tredegar
4. Rothwell Temperance
5. Brass Band Treize Etoiles
6. Fairey Band

Dark Horse: Reg Vardy

Live comments by Iwan Fox

16.30hrs
Aveley and Newham, Nigel Taken, 21

Start to Var 4. : Bright opening is full of brio but some nasty errors too. High tempo causes ensemble scrappiness. It sounds forced and harsh and lacking character.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Carries on in the same vein – needs subtlety, character and precision. Var.8 is lyrical but not always secure. Var.9 and Var.10 seem too bland to excite.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : It all goes in but it needs variance in dynamic and style. Wit is missed before Var.13. — It’s solid stuff but it needs more than this surely?

Var. 16 — end. : More artisan content and well controlled, if uninspiring right to the very end though.

Overall : A very bland portrayal — this was crying out for Arnold’s idiosyncratic character. This sounded more like a portrait of his accountant at times!

16.05hrs
Reg Vardy, Richard Evans, 20

Start to Var 4. : Controlled opening section has nice light and breezy feel — this is compact and cohesive stuff with a stylish underpinning.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : It continues with a lyrical and relaxed feel. Stylish stuff if not always secure — it has character though and not many have had this today. Var.8 is a case in point. Lovely stuff. Var.9 and Var.10 are purposeful rather than driven.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Loses a bit of focus in places but its solid stuff that has character. Neatly done before and after Var.13. Unfortunately the reprise is messy.

Var. 16 — end. : Sounds a touch tired, but it recovers to a really well managed ending.

Overall : A performance rich in character portrayal but just like the man himself it gets a little insecure in its latter days. Enjoyable though.

16.45hrs
Hepworth (Cookson Homes), Mark Bentham, 19

Start to Var 4. : Confident opening if steady in tempo and style. Lots of clarity and control, if all a little bland. Struggles a little technically but this is so deliberately set out.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : The very individual approach to tempos continues. It lacks pace when required and so it lacks brio and sparkle – very individual indeed. Var.8 is one of very slow lyricism. Var.9 and Var.10 seem prosaic.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : MD has gone out on a brave limb here. This is so different in tempo to anything today but the wit and charm is missing as a result. The reprise is untidy.

Var. 16 — end. : Rubato is used but the music lacks flow. It builds to a slow robust rousing end.

Overall : A very individual interpretation. Brave and inspired, or musically misplaced? We tend to think the latter.

16.20hrs
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Russell Gray, 18

Start to Var 4. : Fine opening has detail and style and it develops with character in the variations. Some moments do detract but this has high gloss finish.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Neat and subtle with real changes in tempi and style — lots to admire as it’s so well set out. Var.8 is laced with lyricism and poise. Var.9 and Var.10 are deliberate and is nice stuff.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : More quality with a hint of sly wit — enjoyable playing this. Var.13 is so well paced and the reprise is top notch.

Var. 16 — end. : Lovely stylistic feel so elegant and a great build leads to superb close.

Overall : A real humdinger this, so full of style and high value content. Right up there in the mix with Fodens.

16.02hrs
Fairey Band, Phil Chalk, 17

Start to Var 4. : Nice breezy opening with plenty of character – it’s pacey after this with odd moments of unease, but retains its musical character.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : More of the same – lots to enjoy in style and execution. Var.8 is lyrical if not always totally accurate. Var.9. and Var.10 have drive but are a little scrappy.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Gets a little bland this at times — it’s lost its focus for us. There is though a stamp of quality about the playing despite the clips

Var. 16 — end. : Just tires in places but its is lyrical. The music builds well to a finely controlled ending .

Overall : Good performance this — a bit workmanlike at times. Solid and compact it could well feature.

15.40hrs
PolySteel, Philip Harper, 16

Start to Var 4. : Fine start just gets messy in places, but it’s full of brio and character. Some nasty moments detract but it’s solid stuff

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Real character to the music and sprightly jauntiness. Not everything comes off and the technique is not always convincing at times. Var.8 — not always comfortable this. Var.9 and Var.10 are very stylish too but a touch ragged.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : More stylish playing but the odd moments of unease too. Neat wit before Var.13 but slightly strained after this. Great stuff at reprise – top notch.

Var. 16 — end. : Tuning at times grates but fine lyrical feel — its very elastic with the rubato. MD pulls every last ounce out to end.

Overall : A performance of character, not always secure in execution but persuasive in style. A portrait of warmth and expression.

15.15hrs
Scottish Co-op, Allan Ramsay, 15

Start to Var 4. : Bold opening becomes somewhat scrappy and unconvincing in execution. It’s so messy despite stylish approach. The ensemble and percussion is so ragged in places.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Again style over substance in places. It has its moments good and bad. Var.8 is lyrical but not secure! Var.9 and Var.10 struggle to convince too.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : So much better, but then it becomes ragged again. This is such an inconsistent performance.

Var. 16 — end. : Lyrical approach is let down by ensemble precision. Percussion is wayward and at times tuning grates — it leads to a unconvincing finish.

Overall : A character portrait of Arnold that was blighted throughout by lack of ensemble security that it became a very average performance.

14.50hrs
YBS Band, Morgan Griffiths, 14

Start to Var 4. : Bold opening has style and purpose but noticeable slips too. There is quality on display in technique and music making of character.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Occasionally gets a touch ragged but it’s full of brio and character. Var.8 is tasteful and elegant. Control is the key at Var.9 and Var.10 – a touch prosaic but very precise.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Stylized playing is controlled, but it’s a matter of taste for the judges. There is some quality playing and the reprise is the same.

Var. 16 — end. : Broad and lyrical but struggles in some lines at times. Recovers to a very fine climax and end.

Overall : A performance of quality but one where the individual approach to tempi may or may not find favour with the judges. An enjoyable and different approach though.

14.29hrs
Fodens Richardson, Garry Cutt, 13

Start to Var 4. : Superb ensemble sound is aligned to precise style and execution. Odd moment here and there but so much detail and clear balance.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Variations of style and purpose displayed with top notch clarity and execution. Var.8 is perhaps not elegantly lyrical but it’s so well played. Just loses focus but soon returns with classy poise.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : More quality again by the bag full. Neat wit before Var.13 and reprise has stamp of quality — real character at pace this.

Var. 16 — end. : Artistic playing here – Bravo tubas. This leads to thrilling climax and a rousing finish.

Overall : Highly enjoyable and excellently delivered performance of warmth and character that will take some beating.

14.08hrs
Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, 12

Start to Var 4. : Fine opening is full of detail and nuance. Stylish and detailed playing this. Some little moments but high class stuff on display.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : More variations of character and style — lots to admire in the technique. Var.8 has moments of unease but it’s stylish playing. Var.9 and Var.10 hit the right style spot too.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : More quality — a little robust in places but the odd moment of unease is outweighed by neat wit and elegant passion. Reprise is spot on but it gets a little scrappy.

Var. 16 — end. : Lovely style but a little error prone in bass quartet. Stylish and elegant playing leads to a robust end.

Overall : A performance of some stature this. Quality, execution and persuasive style despite moments of unease. Right up there.

13.47hrs
Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman, 11

Start to Var 4. : Controlled opening leads to a subtle tempi and style change. We like the Arnold character but there is a noticeable error count too.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Clarity and control is evident — neatly done this. Var.8 has style but doesn’t feel totally at ease with itself in execution. Occasional untidy playing takes gloss off variations of character.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Untidiness robs an elegant portrait just before Var.13 and onwards — a real pity. This is just starting to sound tired now.

Var. 16 — end. : More good stuff and a fine bass quartet builds to fine elegant finish.

Overall : A very enjoyable ‘Arnoldesque’ interpretation — elegant and lyrical fine style, but too many noticeable errors will cost them dearly.

13.25hrs
Redbridge, Jeremy Wise, 10

Start to Var 4. : Strong and purposeful to start — it has pace and style but also messy ensemble. Lacks breezy lightness whilst Var.4 is a little insecure.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : More pace and purpose but also untidiness. Stylish playing is marred just too often by mistakes. Var.8 lacks lyrical expression but Var.9 and 10 have the right feel but are messy — a pity.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Carries on in same vein. It gets harsh a times which takes gloss off nice style. Pace destroys the clarity at Var.14 and 15 as balance becomes harsh again.

Var. 16 — end. : Good build and a fine tuba quartet. A return to the purposeful intent rounds things off robustly.

Overall : An enjoyable interpretation but the execution lost its way. It was Arnold with a hard edge at times.

13.03hrs
Wingates, Andrew Berryman, 9

Start to Var 4. : Bold and confident with style and purpose. Gets a touch scrappy in places but Arnold style is evident.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : More stylish playing just marred by harsh sounds and noticeable errors It doesn’t quite knit together in too many places. Var.8 is unrestrained and clippy but recovers well after this though.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Full of brio and stylish intent — great raspberry moment before Var.13 is spot on. A little variation in execution after this with a touch of scrappy playing.

Var. 16 — end. : Well laid out but tuning goes awry. The music leads onto an ending of purpose and style.

Overall : A show that had extended periods of quality but also too many insecurities as well. An enjoyable interpretation but also a touch flawed in execution.

12.38hrs
Brass Band Treize Etoiles, Geo Pierre Moren, 8

Start to Var 4. : Compact opening accelerates away and it’s high tempo stuff. Clean and accurate but just lacking real rubato at Var.4.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Technical variations are delivered with real panache. The lyrical Var.8 is lacking in charm. There is more quality through Var.9 and 10 — super stuff. As accurate as Swiss watch.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Great sound and technique but the humour is missed before Var.13. Again it lacks rubato but faster elements contain cracking playing and at real pace.

Var. 16 — end. : Well handled — all of this is big, bold and very controlled.

Overall : A very high class performance this but slightly ‘academic’ in places. Lots of Swiss accuracy and precision but perhaps just lacking that ‘Arnold’ wit and lyricism. Right up there though.

12.12hrs
Bedwas Trethomas and Machen (BTM), Nigel Boddice, 7

Start to Var 4. : Good solid start. Controlled energy has detail and style. A few scrapes here and there but nicely done.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Just in need of a bit more jaunty brio at times but well executed. Var.8 – grace notes are varied so style isn’t cohesive. A touch pedantic from here on but it’s clean and compact.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Controlled and detailed again but that lightness of touch and humour is missing. Technically sound but its one paced.

Var. 16 — end. : Lovely lyrical playing, broad and tasteful in style – although tuba line is noticeable strained. Good build to purposeful ending.

Overall : A controlled, well delivered performance. Just in need of a bit more Arnold spicy wit and quick witted charm, but a solid show.

11.48hrs
Soli Brass, Frans-Aert Burghgraef, 6

Start to Var 4. : It’s up-tempo stuff, fine sounds but its edge of seat playing at times. It lacks breezy wit and it’s more gaelforce humour this.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Continues at pace – and is very messy as a result. Var.7 is poor and Var.8 lacks lyrical style. It’s being played as a technical exercise this. Big and bold but with no Arnold wit or charm.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Carries on in the same vein – lacks lightness of touch. The wit is missed being technically messy and harsh – especially Var.14 and 15.

Var. 16 — end. : Big, powerful and misplaced — unfortunately it sounds tired and harsh right to end.

Overall : Missed the style and essence of the lyrical and dark wit for us. An exercise in note playing. More Arnold (Schwarzenegger) than (Malcolm) Arnold for us!

11.28hrs
Virtuosi GUS, John Berryman, 5

Start to Var 4. : Controlled start with subtle shifts in tempi and style. Neatly delivered this and it continues.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Some variations are one paced but the clarity is shown. Var.8 is strained in delivery and the music loses its flow. It is strangely subdued after this.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Deliberate style and tempi but it’s well delivered. Slightly damp wit before Var. 13. Tuning is wayward after this — it grates. Var.14 and 15 are controlled but it does get harsh.

Var. 16 — end. : Builds well in style – tuning again an issue. The piece loses focus towards the end, which is a bit of disaster.

Overall : Very controlled reading at times, perhaps in need of a touch more ‘Arnold’ brio and mischief. A terrible end will surely cost valuable points.

11.05hrs
Brass Band Aeolus, Bastien Stil, 4

Start to Var 4. : Brightly coloured start is bold and stylish. Less secure in lyrical section, but it’s solidly delivered.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Scrappy and a little harsh in places. It sounds forced even though it’s technically secure. Var.8 — Bravo! Real French chic this as the quality continues.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : A little up and down in delivery with French wit allied to fair amount of French bluff too! Style over substance?

Var. 16 — end. : Untidy ensemble spoils delivery. It is a little harsh in places but its all there. Big and bold, but perhaps overdone in the real ‘up-tempo’ end.

Overall : A well paced performance that had the occasional touch of Gaelic flair and style — more Maurice Arnold than Malcolm Arnold ?

10.50hrs
1st Old Boys Association Silver, Stephen Cairns, 3

Start to Var 4. : Rather safety first in style and tempi but secure enough. Just lacks a sense of breezy fun.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Struggles in the faster variations and lacks clarity in the waltz. Var. 8 is OK, but ‘marziale’ is pedantic and error strewn.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Moves along but lacks tempi variation and style. A little bit of a struggle. The wit is missed before Var. 13 and it is messy at Var. 14.

Var. 16 — end. : Starts well but needs flow and variance. Strained in places to a slightly subdued end.

Overall : Struggled to find a sense of ‘Arnold’ style. An OK performance but one paced and lacked some variance. This could struggle come the results.

10.30hrs
Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 2

Start to Var 4. : Fine start, a lovely warm and witty feel to the faster elements. Detail and clarity too. Stylish playing this.

Var.5 – Var. 10. : Lots to enjoy technically. Secure and detailed. Nicely played with character if a little clippy. It just gets a touch brash at times.

Var. 11 — Var.15. : Noticeable quality and variation in style. Nice touch of the absurd too. Touch messy at Var. 14 and 15. — a pity.

Var. 16 — end. : Loses focus in tuning and balance. Stamina maintained to a broad and ‘happy ever after’ end.

Overall : A real stylish performance this with lots of quality both musically and technically. A little OTT in places but very enjoyable and ‘Arnoldesque’.

10.00hrs
Jaguar (Coventry), David Lea, 1

Start — Var 4. : Lively to start but not all the detail comes through. Nice lyrical work is displayed but not always secure in execution.

Var.5 – Var. 10 : Struggles technically at times, especially in slow waltz. Compact ensemble, but error count is noticeable.

Var. 11 — Var.15 : Nice witty feel when needed and lyrical interlude is well done. Reprise is untidy at Var. 14 and 15.

Var. 16 — end : Sounds a little strained in places but builds well and maintains focus to well a paced end.

Overall : A solid enough marker, high error count but won’t be the only one today. Just lacked the touch of ‘Arnoldesque’ style.