*
banner

Tredegar to premiere Tallis masterpiece

Tredegar Band to give the world premiere of a brass band arrangement of the Thomas Tallis masterpiece 'Spem in Alium' at Llandaff Cathedral in May

Tredegar
  Tredegar's latest musical venture sees them go back to 1570 and the music of Thomas Tallis

Tredegar Band's well earned reputation for musical creativity will see them look back in time to explore music from one of Britain's greatest composers for a major concert performance at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff in May.

Already renowned for their forays into ballet, film and Parliament where they will be performing in July, on this occasion they shift the musical boundaries back to the music of Thomas Tallis with the world premiere performance of his majestic 40-part motet, 'Spem in Alium'.

Crowning glory

Written around 1570 for an ensemble consisting of eight quintets containing a soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass, the opening line, 'Spem in alium nunquam habui' ('I have never put my hope in any other') — has a direct spiritual link — one that will resonate magnificently in the historic surroundings of the Cathedral with it celebrated nave structure, 'Christ in Majesty' by Jacob Epstein.

It is regarded as Tallis' crowning glory, a magnificent exhibition of his craft, but perhaps its most overwhelming quality is its sheer musical power.

Extra performers

Tredegar's solo horn Chris Davies has made a special brass band arrangement of the work which will feature the band augmented by extra performers.

"Tallis is a fascinating composer", he said. "He lived through the upheaval of the reformation — something reflected in his musical output which changed in style to suit the religious and political needs of the time.

I first heard 'Spem in Alium' performed at a church, where all forty singers surrounded the congregation. It was an incredible experience — and something we are hoping to recreate ourselves.

It is regarded as Tallis' crowning glory, a magnificent exhibition of his craft, but perhaps its most overwhelming quality is its sheer musical power4BR

Tallis centrepiece

The work will form the centrepiece of a concert that will also include other works inspired by the composer such as 'Tallis Variations' by Philip Sparke and Peter Graham's 'Prelude on Tallis'.

The band will also be joined by the renowned Palestrina Singers of Cardiff University, who specialise in early music.

MD Ian Porthouse added: "This is another example of how the band is determined to seek out new musical horizons and showcase the versatility of the highest quality brass band music making.

To perform it in the evocative setting of Llandaff Cathedral is something special, so we hope we can attract as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the experience with us."

Place, date, time and tickets

Concert:
Spem in Alium
Saturday May 19th
7:30pm

Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, and £10 for concessions

Buy tickets:

http://tredegar.band/events/speminalium#ticket

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    


Albert hall

Time travellers: The Albert Hall 2006

October 1 • Two decades ago, Besson produced a documentary from the Royal Albert Hall National Final... and some things have certainly changed...


Duncan Beckley

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 1 • The duo pays personal tribute to conductor Duncan Beckley MBE who recently passed away.


Jess Gillam

Independent Society of Musicians appoints new President elect

October 1 • The critically acclaimed saxophonist and broadcaster will be the new president of the Independent Society of Musicians.


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Vaughan Williams arr. Geoffrey Nobes)

October 1 • A new work that adapts a classic composition from the pen of the great English composer Vaughan Williams.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Duchess of Edinburghs String Orchestra

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. W1C 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Staines Brass Band

Saturday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band

October 2 • Wardle Anderson Brass Band is looking for a passionate, inspiring, and committed Musical Director to lead us into our next exciting chapter! We are a Championship Section Band based in Wardle, Lancashire.


Petworth Town Band

October 2 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for Flugelhorn, Cornet and Bass Trombone. We have a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. All new players are made welcome in the band.


Croy Silver Band

October 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd