*
banner

Take 5: Special little moments of musicality to cherish

4BR picks five very special little moments of musicality to cherish from 2016...

Purple
  4BR picks five very special little musical moments to cherish from 2016

There were many brilliant performances from bands as well as individuals during 2016, but these were five moments to cherish for us for very different reasons.

1. Peter Moore


RNCM Brass Band Festival recital

The whole recital performance by the LSO Principal Trombone was stunning, with the first few notes of Mahler's 'Urlicht' from 'Das Knaben Wunderhorn' as close to perfection as you could ever hear.

However, the little bit of extra magic came with his rendition of Arthur Pryor's 'La Petite Suzanne'.

So many modern day trombonists play his solos with an ineptitude based on speed and trickery. Here Moore delivered it with such capricious elan that it took the breath away. It was a sheer delight.


2. Principal cornet player of Redruth Town Band


Fourth Section West of England Championship

Not even Errol Flynn could have bettered this for swashbuckling brilliance. On the Spanish leg of 'The Journal of Phileas Fogg' this chap delivered a cornet cadenza that took 'ad-libbing' to a new level of interpretative genius. This was Zorro meets Eddie Calvert with a dollop of Wynton Marsalis thrown in for good measure.

Adjudicator Alan Fernie's tongue in cheek pre-results remarks paid tribute to this unique piece of musicality in what was a playful homage to the great Eric Morecambe when asked by Andre Previn just what he was doing in his rendition of Grieg Piano Concerto.

The man in question (we don't know his name even now) simply stepped forward, took the applause and revelled in his moment of glory. Simply brilliant.


3. David Childs


Cantata Memoria

The 50th anniversary of the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip behind the village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil in 1966, which sent debris through the classroom of Pantglas Junior School, killing 116 children and 28 adults, was marked in Wales by the premiere of 'Cantata Memoria' by Sir Karl Jenkins.

The nation was reminded of the poignant loss as well as the shameful aftermath of official denial which led one grieving father to state at the Coroner's Inquest that his child had been, "buried alive by the National Coal Board."

The 'Cortege' section saw Bryn Terfel sing 'Myfanwy' and David accompanied as the 'musical voice of the valley', leading the choir as they recited the names of all those killed to a backdrop of the scenes of the heartbreaking funeral processions.


4. Helen Williams


'Journey of the Lone Wolf' — National Championship of Great Britain

There are very few players whose individual contribution even to a National title winning performance immediately becomes the collective memory of victory for those who did and didn't hear it on the day.

That was certainly the case with the chillingly beautiful flugel spotlight, performed with such control and purity by Helen Williams that time very nearly stood still in the Albert Hall.

As adjudicator Philip McCann later told 4BR: "The icing on the cake from the winners came as soon as the beginning of the second movement — and especially from the flugel. There was so much space, atmosphere, textures and colours. It was the magic moment of the day."


5. Valaisia


'Goldberg 2012' — Swiss National Championship

At the heart of Svein Henrik Giske's remarkable work is a central core of deep, ice cold melancholy that reflects on the death of his father. It is transparent writing drawn from the heart — a paean of yearning loss that is almost troubling in its beauty.

For that moment in time in Montreux, Valaisia under the elegant direction of Arsene Duc chilled the marrow in your bones; sending your own memories spiralling into a recalled personal freefall. It was deeply affecting.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Ray Farr flugels

Sound boost for Ray Farr flugels

April 25 • There has been is a crescendo of demand for Ray Farr flugels with players across the UK and Europe finding the unique sound of the instruments to their (and judges) liking.


bRASS IN cOCNERT

Brass in Concert line-up and draw details announced.

April 25 • 11 bands will compete for the 2024 entertainment title — with fans having the chance to get first and last right at the draw to win tickets.


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: There's no-one like Jesus (African Trad arr. Andrew Wainwright)

April 25 • A fantastic upbeat concert work that is sure to get feet tapping from Andrew Wainwright


Mike Cavanagh

Purcell appointment for Cavanagh

April 25 • Mike Cavanagh has been appointed as the new Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion at the internationally acclaimed Purcell School.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band - Reading Festival of Brass: Open Workshop Rehearsal

Saturday 27 April • St Laurence Church, Reading RG1 3EJ


London Central Fellowship Band - Hemel Hempstead Salvation Army

Saturday 27 April • Waterhouse St, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1ES


Haverhill Silver Band - Friends' Requests

Sunday 28 April • Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 8AR


Boarshurst Silver Band - Sunday Brass Concert - Stockport Silver Band

Sunday 28 April • Boarshurst Band Club, Greenbridge Lane OL3 7EW


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 3 May • Palanga Konsortu, Vytauta st. 43, LT-00135, Palanga 43, LT-00135


Frome Town Band

April 25 • Frome Town Band seeks a new Musical Director. The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled musician with experience of running ensembles and events, who has an enthusiasm for and a vision towards developing the organisation as a community resource.


Sherborne Town Band

April 24 • Exciting opertunity for a principal cornet player to lead our friendly band. We also would be excited to hear from percussionists with experience in tuned percussion and kit. We are currently in the Championship section and have a busy schedule in 2024.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 24 • We have lots of cornets and horns but a little thin in the bottom end. Our players are happy to move around to help new players join the band, if you play baritone, euph or bass please give us a try. We rehearse every Sunday and Thursday at 7.30pm


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd