*
banner

Foden's to celebrate centenary of cornet great

A new work will be premiered by Foden's Band to celebrate the centenary of the death of the great cornet player Edwin Firth.

Firth
  The young Edwin Firth was regarded as a cornet prodigy

2018 will see Foden's Band celebrate the 100th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest cornet players in banding history.

Edwin Firth was born at Skipton on 23rd December 1888. His grandfather, Greenwood Firth had been solo trombone with Black Dyke for twenty-five years, while his father, Squire Firth had also been a cornet player in the Queensbury band.

Principal cornet

Not surprisingly, Edwin learned to play the cornet and in 1899 joined the Skipton Band quickly becoming principal cornet and playing with them at the 1902 Crystal Palace Challenge Shield contest, conducted by his father.

Renowned as something of a 'boy prodigy', he received many invitations to appear as a guest soloist with bands — using the money earned to further his talents under the tuition of William Rimmer and Alexander Owen.

He became principal cornet of Foden's Band aged 19 in 1908, helping them to victories at the British Open in 1909, 1910, 1912, 1913 and 1915, as well as the National title in 1910. He was also a talented composer and in 1913 his march 'Westward Ho!' won a prize in a competition ran by the British Bandsman weekly newspaper.

Killed in action

In 1917 he joined the 28th London Regiment (The Artists' Rifles) as a Private, and when posted to France took an old cornet with him on which to practice. Tragically, he was killed in action on 1st June 1918, aged 29, leaving a widow Doris (who died in 1991 and who never remarried) and a son, Edwin Jnr who died aged 75 in 1994.

Although Edwin's body was buried in the Varennes Military Cemetery, his name was added to the gravestone of his sister, found in a cemetery in the village of Earby, along with a decorative inscription of a cornet (above) as well as two War Memorials.

To mark the centenary of his death, Foden's will hold celebration concerts on the 1st and 3rd June in Sandbach.

As part of a successful Arts Council England application Foden's have commissioned Composer in Residence, Andy Scott to write a work to commemorate his life4BR

Celebratory work

As part of a successful Arts Council England application Foden's have commissioned Composer in Residence, Andy Scott to write a work to commemorate his life, and which will be premiered at these events.

As well as the concerts there will also be an exhibition of Edwin's possessions (including his cornet)

Ticket numbers are restricted and available via: www.priorbooking.com or marklwilky@hotmail.com

Further reading

In 2004, Allan Littlemore wrote the following article on Firth for 4BR:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2004/art414.asp#.Wj6hz1Vl_X4

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    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd