*
banner

2013 National Championship of Great Britain — Postcard from the Albert Hall

4BR Editor Iwan Fox finds out that size isn't everything when it comes to being able to cherish a 'Little Master'.

Harper and Cup
Now that's something to brag about...

Size isn’t everything.

On a weekend when one iconic ‘Little Master’ announced his plans to retire from test match cricket, deep in the labyrinth corridors of the Royal Albert Hall another thankfully talked about his desire to carry on composing at the highest competitive level for many more years to come.

Meanwhile, on a stage every bit as grand as Lords, a rather taller exponent of excellence revealed his claims to be regarded in an elevated conducting status of his own by leading Cory to the National title.

Genius

Sachin Tendulkar’s genius will certainly be missed, whilst Philip Harper is fast becoming the leading top flight exponent of wielding a bit of willow in his right hand.

However, it would be sad day for us all if Edward Gregson decided to hang up his compositional bat any day soon.


Edwar Gregson
A National band to be proud of...

Doff the cap

As he graciously accepted the plaudits from the audience, like a centurion doffing his cap to the members pavilion in recognition of their appreciation of his masterful ‘Of Distant Memories’ composition, you were struck by the fact that it has taken almost 40 years for him to receive so warm a reception at such a major event.

Over the years he has endured an occasionally strained relationship with the contesting movement, despite taking the test piece genre to new levels in 1977 with ‘Connotations’, and producing  works of immense maturity ever since.

This though was just his third National test piece – nearly 30 years after his last. 

Luddite

Perhaps his expansive musical intellect hasn’t always sat easily within the mind set of promoters, but there is little doubt that some luddite attitudes have robbed us of the chance to hear the likes of ‘Of Men & Mountains’ and more recently his ‘Symphony in Two Movements’ in the environment for which they were ideally suited.

His test piece redemption has been far too long overdue: Now, alongside his other works, they also deserve to be rejoiced in.

No lost faith

That is for others to argue over though, as in quiet conversation back stage, he revealed that he himself has never lost faith in the brass band movement as a whole - and certainly not (as somebody less tactful did remark), in the ability of conductors to draw out the type of wonderful musicality shown by Philip Harper in leading Cory to victory on his work.

Generosity of spirit

With a dry wit, vast intellectual hinterland, generosity of spirit and an acute sense of just where brass bands fit in the greater scheme of musical things, he is also someone who should be listened to on a much more regular basis.

Little Masters do not come around that often – from Sachin Tendulkar to Edward Gregson, so we should cherish them a bit more when we have the chance.

Trophies
Prizes to be won

Detante

Elsewhere, Kapitol Promotions will have enjoyed the plaudits that also came their way - as their occasionally strained relationship with the rank and file of banding started to show further signs of a welcome detante.

With numbers up, a great test piece, a sense of occasion restored, slick promotion and presentation, there was a buzz about the Albert Hall that to be fair has been growing over the last few years.


Excellent Simone
Excellence from Simone Rebello as compere

Excellent

Simone Rebello was an excellent compere, the fanfare team continued to add a bit of pomp to go with the circumstances and the programme and study score were good value.

It was also heartening to witness the reception give to David Read MBE for his outstanding contribution to the event as an adjudicator over the years, and to Alan Hope as the new honorary President of the National Championships.

All in all it added up to a National that exceeded some lofty expectations. 

Iwan Fox



Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 21 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Epping Forest Band

June 16 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd