*
banner

CD review: Radiance

Bastien Baumet
Portugal Air Force Band
Conductors: CAP Antonio Rosado, CAP Rui Silva, ALF Artur Rouquina
Vocation Recordings: BE001/1


stars
As much as the profile of the euphonium has benefitted from an almost exponential increase in substantive repertoire written for it in the past decade or more, it is arguably at its most effective as a solo instrument away from the brass band spotlight.

Even the finest exponents are often submerged by the limitations of an accompanying palette of homogenous textures and indistinguishable colour blends, with only the extreme ends of the dynamic and range spectrums heard with any distinctive clarity.

It’s a pleasure then to hear four substantive works accompanied with sympathetic finesse by a high quality wind band.  

Class act

Soloist Bastien Baumet is a class act throughout; the works from Jean-Jacques Charles, Roland Szentpali, Giancarlo Castro d’Addona  and Olivier Calmel (transcribed by Laurent Arandel), allowing the Frenchman to display the full array of his considerable talents; a razor-sharp technique and malleable tonality adeptly controlled by a finely honed musical mind.

The premiere of the delightful ‘Quatre Dances’ allows him to indulge in a form of euphonium choreography - each tailored in perfect style; a sultry tango, suave habanera, playful waltz and impulsive samba. 

Roland Szentpali’s ‘Symphony Concertante’ has become a highly effective competition piece since its 2015 world premiere by the composer. It’s an amalgam of soundscape complexities that shimmer with atmosphere thanks to the lucid understanding of the soloist and the accompaniment.

There is also much to enjoy with ‘Euphantasy’ (commissioned by the soloist); the most readily transparent and accessible in terms of construct - its hints of Sparkesque craftsmanship seeping through the writing, Gallic panache through the playing.

Sparkesque

There is also much to enjoy with ‘Euphantasy’ (commissioned by the soloist); the most readily transparent and accessible in terms of construct - its hints of Sparkesque craftsmanship seeping through the writing, Gallic panache through the playing.

A quality release is rounded off with the title work.

‘Radiance’ was originally orchestrated for brass band, but it’s hard to think that it sounds as effective in that form as it does here - and not just because of the appreciative stature of the solo lead.  

It’s a triptych of luminosity - the emerging energy of the opening leading into opaque central section and a finale that sparkles with controlled fission.

Iwan Fox


To purchase: http://bastienbaumet.fr

Play list:

Quatre Danses (Jean-Jacques Charles)
1. Tango
2. Habanera
3. Valse
4. Samba

Symphony Concertante (Roland Szentpali)
5. Introduction
6. Passepied
7. From Nora
8. Play

9. Euphantasy (Giancarlo Castro D'Addona)

Radiance (Oliver Calmel trans. Laurent Arandel)
10. Energy
11. Prysm
12. Light

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    



Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd