*
banner

CD review: Onyx Brass

Festmusik: A Legacy
Conductor: John Wilson
Chandos Recordings: CDCHSA 5284



A narrative line linking family fortune, friendship and forensic study provide the touchstones on which this outstanding recording is built.

The substantive sleeve notes of David Gordon-Shute and Stephen Johnson provide a trove of information to place each of the seven works in context – and the stories, given what seem to be gossamer threads of musical coincidence, a tensile strength of powerful immediacy and relevance, reinforced by the superb performances of those involved.

Connective chain

The connective chain is forged by musical personality; Strauss, Schumann, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Rubinstein, Franz and full circle to Strauss again; the common link the mysteriously heartfelt cache of letters and paperwork left by a very particular, yet benevolent Great-uncle to his impressionable nephew (and it is a remarkable story).    

The connective chain is forged by musical personality; Strauss, Schumann, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Rubinstein, Franz and full circle to Strauss again;

With this in mind the music takes on a moving resonance - directed with lucid appreciation by John Wilson, performed with subtly defined degrees of burnished texture and chiaroscuro light and shade by the combined talents of some of the UKs finest brass players.   

The familiar strains of ‘Festmusick der Stadt Wien’, written by Strauss in the embryonic years of what was to become an obliquely complex relationship with Nazi hierarchy, now has a darker hue of meaning.

Feeling of loss

In contrast Schumann’s ‘Impromptus uber ein Thema von Clara Wiek’  sounds like a playful series of passionate billet-doux.

It mirrors the corresponding love of Heinz and his beloved wife, Hilde to whom the CD is dedicated, whilst the rich tonality of Brahms’ ‘Ich Schwing’ mein Horn ins Jammertal’  (‘I blow my horn in the vale of sorrow’), lingers with a melancholic feeling of loss.

The musical narrative closes as it began - with brilliance imbuing its resolve. 

The close homophonic choral structures of Mendelssohn’s ‘Die Fruen die Sanger’  (‘The Women and the Singers’) frame a hunting song of tender romanticism, as do the cultured meanderings of Rubinstein’s Chopinesque ‘Nocturne’  - beautifully liquid to the touch.

The budding glimpses of spring in Robert Franz’s ‘Fruhlingsblick’  are full of optimism - a slender memory of youth. 

Crowning glory

The crowning glory though is early choral Strauss. 

‘Zwei Gesange’  (‘Two Songs’) is superbly orchestrated (as are all the works on the release); ‘Der Abend’  (‘The Evening’) providing a longing counterbalance to the grief infused expression of the ‘Hymne’  (‘Hymn’) – packed to the rafters with expanded lineal phrases and rich harmonic progressions.  

The musical narrative closes as it began - with brilliance imbuing its resolve. 

Iwan Fox


To purchase: https://onyxbrass.co.uk/festmusik-a-legacy/

Play list:

1. Festmusik der Stadt Wien (Richard Strauss)
2-13. Zwei Gesänge Op.34 (Richard Strauss arr. Dave Gordon-Shute & Matt Smith)
14. Impromptus on a Theme by Clara Wieck Op.5 (Robert Schumann arr. Amos Miller & Tim Jackson)
15. Die Frauen und die Sänger (Felix Mendelssohn arr. Dave Gordon-Shute)
16. Ich Schwing mein’ Horn ins Jammertal (Johannes Brahms arr. Dave Gordon-Shute)
17. Nocturne Op.71 (Anton Rubinstein arr. Dave Gordon-Shute)
18-19. Frühlingsblick Op.52 (Robert Franz arr. Niall Keatley)

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    



Northop Silver Band - Christmas Concert with Kirsty Abbotts

Sunday 3 December • St Eurgain & St Peter, Church Road, Northop CH7 6BQ


Boarshurst Silver Band - Littleborough Band

Sunday 3 December • Boarshurst Band Club. Greenbridge Lane. Greenfield. Oldham OL3 7EW


Garforth Brass - Garforth Community Choir

Wednesday 6 December • St James the Great,. Manston,. Crossgates, . Leeds,. LS15 8JB LS15 8JB


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 9 December • Longridge Civic Hall, Calder Avenue, Longridge, Ribble Valley, Lancashire. PR3 3WD


The Hepworth Band - Championship Brass & Voices for Christmas

Saturday 9 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


St Swithuns Brass Band

December 3 • St Swithuns Band are seeking a MUSICAL DIRECTOR. We are a friendly, non-contesting band playing at various local events throughout the year. We are looking for someone who can take the Band forward as our current MD is retiring after 18+ years.


Crewe Brass

December 3 • Crewe Brass are looking for a 2ND HORN to join our highly motivated 3rd section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 3 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION players TUNED/KIT to join our highly motivated 3rd section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2023 4barsrest.com Ltd