*
banner

Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Conductor: Stephen Maw
Charlton House
Friday 10th May

stars

'Fanfare of Praise' written by Robert Redhead for the International Staff Band opened the concert. Using the Crusaders' hymn 'Ascalon' it started with unison trombones before effectively breaking into harmony and moving into an up-tempo version with drum kit backing.

The band continued with Philip Sparke's 'The Vikings'; strident cornets and trumpets setting the scene before a bass melody made its way from the depths as the menacing longships emerged from the gloom. A score full of colour and variety was vibrantly enhanced by the ensemble’s impressive tonality.

Lush harmonies

The traditional French melody 'The Shepherd's Song' elicited some lovely, warm sounds, sustained lines and lush harmonies, with particularly fine work from Emily Bristow and Rhodri Thomas on cornet and euphonium respectively.

Eric Ball's 'Triumph of Peace' features his setting of John Oxenham's words 'Peace in our time, O Lord'. The hymn dates from 1934 with the composer penning the tone poem five years later at the outbreak of the Second World War. Again, the balance was first class, with striking playing by soprano and horn in the final climax.

The mix of cornets and trumpets worked well on this occasion, and it was a trio of trumpeters who stepped forward to play Leroy Anderson's 'Buglers' Holiday' - the articulation excellent as the parts blended nicely together.

Again, the balance was first class, with striking playing by soprano and horn in the final climax.

Smooth contrasts

The finale was 'Fire in the Blood'; written for the International Staff Band's 120th anniversary celebrations and using several Salvation Army melodies. 

Richard Phillips' setting of 'Come Let Us Sing for Joy' made for a lively start, followed by smooth contrasts in the middle section. The cornet featured in the reflective 'Lord, You know That I Love You', before the euphonium and glockenspiel presented the chorus 'I Love You, Lord'. With a reprise of the opening, pounding rhythms drove the music forward to the majestic close.

As the audience applauded, a quartet played the opening bars of 'My Way' as a fitting encore to a fine concert.

Peter Bale

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



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


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd