*
banner

CD review: Ascension

Alexis Demailly and Bastien Baumet
Brass Band Fribourg
Conductor: Maurice Donnet-Monay
Bacem Recording: BE004


Two of the major performers that helped drive the rise of Paris Brass Band over the past decade or more show no sign of being satisfied with cruise control mode with their latest joint release.

‘Ascension’  comes seven years after their well received ‘Portraits’  debut, and rolls off the production line (recorded in January 2020) with playing on nine pieces that showcases facile technique under a richly polished buff of musical bodywork. 

It has been well worth the wait. It is marque class playing of high quality repertoire, aided by the sympathetic, aware accompaniment of Brass Band Fribourg (the lack of repertoire notes though is a disappointment).  

Subtle flair

Demailly, who is the principal cornet at the Paris Opera as well as tutor at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris, is a soloist of subtle flair; considered, cultured and elegant. There is a mature vocal appreciation to be found in the dark sonority to his tone.

Meanwhile, Baumet, who combines his teaching in the capital with a busy freelance career displays a more obvious insouciance, worn with ease; extrovert, explorative and occasionally unexpected.  He is also blessed with a malleable tonality that adds an absorbing chiaroscuro quality to his playing.

The title track, inspired by Felix Baumgartner’s 2012 free fall skydive, sees the pair glides effortless on high before plummeting headlong back to earth in an eyeball popping scherzo. 

Together it makes for an engaging complement in Fabien Cali’s intriguing ‘Ad Astra Overture’  - pulsating with mischievous spikiness, underpinned with intricate flow patterns, whilst the touching ‘Novella’, a short chapter of lyrical reflection, cleverly mixes their intertwining lines.    

The title track, inspired by Felix Baumgartner’s 2012 free fall skydive, sees the pair glides effortless on high before plummeting headlong back to earth in an eyeball popping scherzo. 

Lucid appreciation

Elsewhere, Demailly is a commanding focal point in Peter Meechan’s darkly uplifting ‘Manchester Concertino’  (although the kernel idea in the opening movement is a minor third) - the central ‘Dream’  aching like a sad memory floating on a breeze of sub-consciousness.  

Recall also plays its part in Howard Snell’s ‘Fantasy’, a tender homage to his father seen through the analogy of the passing seasons.

It is shaped beautifully by the soloist, whilst he brings a stark dichotomy of youthful emotions to the Shakespearian figure of Romeo in ‘Fortune’s Fool’  – doomed love pickled by headstrong testosterone.

It is shaped beautifully by the soloist, whilst he brings a stark dichotomy of youthful emotions to the Shakespearian figure of Romeo in ‘Fortune’s Fool’  – doomed love pickled by headstrong testosterone.

Baumet’s commanding interpretation of Philip Sparke’s demanding ‘Euphonium Concerto’  is vibrant and colourful; a lucid appreciation of the stylistic nuance and flowing musicality that makes up each of the movements. 

In addition there is an equally formative understanding of the building tension and ultimate release required in Peter Meechan’s ‘Ascent’, whilst he gulps the contents of ‘Neath Dublin Skies’ as quick as a thirsty navvy downing a pint of Guinness.   

Iwan Fox


To purchase: http://bastienbaumet.fr/teaching/

Play list:

1. Ad Astra Overture (Fabien Cali) 
2. Manchester Concertino (Peter Meechan)
i. Fanfare
ii. Dream
iii. Finale
5. Ascent (Peter Meechan)
6. Euphonium Concerto (Philip Sparke)
i. Moderato Energico
ii. Lento
iii. Vivo
9. Fantasy (Howard Snell)
10. Novella (Ben Hollings)
11. Fortune’s Fool (Stan Nieuwenhuis)
12. Neath the Dublin Skies (Paul Lovatt Cooper)
13. Ascension (Tom Davoren)

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    



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


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd