*
banner

What the judges said about the 2019 British Open winners...

Written remarks of Cory's performance emphasise the brilliance of their title victory...

Cory
  Cory claimed the 2019 title at Symphony Hall

This is what the judges wrote in their remarks about Cory's winning performance at the 167th British Open Championship.

Band Number 16: Cory

Fantastic sounds to start — Bravo

So enthralling to listen and admire

So much admirable skills shown in cadenza

B-C includes v(ery) fine euph cadenza
C — perc impress to start and then it continues through into the fanfares

Very effective (sic) into K — Bravo

K — Some insecurities to note but quickly detail emerges so imaginative and clearly executed.

Quartet so well crafted and exacting. Bravo.

Captivating s(olo) horn section and flugel — so well poised. Perc effective

HH — so well managed and spaced — troms too.

II — enthralling intense listening — wonderful

JJ — excellent singing flowing style

So much excellence and character

Overall: Bravo — Thank you

Nigel Boddice


Excellent opening & outstanding solo cornet.

B not quite together or in tune.

Euph does well & good start to 'War'

This goes at a well measured pace with menacing character. K not quite clean to start, but some nice character & theatricality.

Good troms and some fine clarity & neatness of ensemble.

Good before CC, but CC should start stronger- fine quartet passage — bari! Lovely octaves.

Farewell is assured & quite slow , but effective and touching. Soloists do well.

HH — good quality in soloists again.

II — a little drawn out, but nicely shaped.

Good link into JJ which is measured but artfully shaped. Spirited sop into OO (you went for it anyway!). SS is good & TT flowingly sustained with beautiful sounds. Rather drawn out close, but hell, why not enjoy it!

Scintillating stuff! The balance of musicality, solo work, accuracy & tonal quality was simply outstanding.

Stephen Roberts

Scintillating stuff! The balance of musicality, solo work, accuracy & tonal quality was simply outstandingStephen Roberts

1. Harry — first note — wow! Beautiful opening..... — stunning cornet playing. Compelling ensemble at B. What a start!

2. War — love the tempo! F/G atmospheric — great sop ay I and again at J.

3. Theatre — musically and genuinely, authentically effective with strong lines. Electric in drama before CC.

Real musical authority from euphonium (baris) 5. Together — beautiful. Just slightest of blemishes but just wow!

6. Farewell — again beautifully reflecting the story line — solo honr — good flugel/euph. HH — musical/poised baritone and then trombone — this is some performance!!

II — Very expressive ensemble and happy ending.

7. Amen — the fugue works well here — appropriate tempo. Transition into NN effective. Trumpet shall sound — real drama/ a minor blemish but this does not spoil it! Lovely before TT.

TT/ is just gorgeous.

What a performance!!

Thank you

Stephen Cobb

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    


Spring Festival

Feedback to bring significant changes to Spring Festival

May 20 • The Mortimer family has responded to the feedback from the recent Spring Festival contests in Birmingham as concerns and complaints have been addressed.


UniBrass Band Camp

Time to sign up for Band Camp

May 19 • If you want to enjoy the UniBrass Band Camp experience this year then there is still time to sign up.


Bradwell Silver

Bradwell to celebrate 125th anniversary with special premieres

May 19 • Two newly commissioned works by composers Alan Fernie and Joe Galuszka will help Bradwell Silver Band celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend.


nybbgb

75 youngsters to enjoy expert NYBBGB audition help

May 19 • 75 young players will enjoy expert tuition help at a trio of 'Ready to Shine' skills workshops later this month with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


wantage silver band

May 19 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Harrogate Band

May 19 • We are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete our team. Interesting mix of engagements and contests. Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd