The Youth Brass Band of Upper Austria, under conductor Karl Geroldinger started their visit to the UK playing at one of London’s iconic musical venues.
The concert was originally due to be held in the open air, but was switched to the sumptuous setting of the Guards Chapel due to the torrential rain, which unfortunately limited audience numbers.
It was certainly an imposing stage on which to make a debut appearance, and although the downside was the loss of some of the detail in the rather boomy acoustic, the experience of performing in such an evocative atmosphere was not lost on the players.
Mature sounds
With an average age of around 18, the band still produced such a mature, full sound, built on the foundation of an impressive bass section. The opening overture to 'Die Fledermaus', was played with classy aplomb, with the lilting Viennese waltz style enhanced by smooth flowing runs expertly shaped despite the intricate changes of tempo.
Steven Mead brought a thrilling rendition of Hermann Pallhuber's 'Bliss', with its brooding minor key opening and a wide-ranging solo line moving quickly from the pedal register to the top of the stave, before the band replied with Thomas Doss's 'Toccata and Fantasia' - an excellent showcase with its prominent Bruckner quotes.
Powerful chords in the lower band were supported by some thunderous timpani playing, before angular solo lines emerged from the ensemble. The excellent soprano, euphonium, a jazzy flugel and virtuoso xylophone were all featured with considerable quality.
Colourful
John Storey then joined Steven in an exquisite rendition of 'Deep Inside the Sacred Temple'; the two euphoniums dovetailing and blending beautifully, before a crackling 'Armenian Fire Dance' made for a colourful prelude for Steven to return to present 'Blue Heart' from Philip Sparke's 'Diamond Concerto'.
The band seemed to relish the challenges of this brisk jazz waltz; complementing the soloist to good effect. Baritone player Felix Geroldinger then joined Steven for 'Two Part Invention' - his light tone contrasting with subtle balance with Steven's richer sound.
Balanced
Principal cornet Bettina Baumschlager made her way to the gallery for the opening of 'The Ashokan Farewell', with the band gradually joining in with well balanced substance, before an old Viennese favourite followed in the shape of 'Thunder and Lightning Polka', marked by a wide dynamic range and some deft percussion work.
Steven explained that he felt Alan Fernie's 'Countryside and Common People' was the band's most popular item, and they certainly seemed to respond well to the contemporary idiom - the horn section rising to their feet for their fine melodic contribution.
Romp
Steven, John Storey, Felix Geroldinger and the band's solo euphonium Paul Hofer then came together for a romp through Thomas Stevens' 'A New Carnival of Venice' - played with such verve by soloists and accompaniment, before the highly enjoyable programme closed with the 'Radetzky March', finishing with the whole band on their feet.
You suspect many more audiences will be doing that also as their tour progresses.
Peter Bale
