Tredegar Town Band
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Soloists: Les Neish, Dewi Griffiths, Mary Fair, Peter Richards
Pianists: Robin Stevens, Colin Druce
World of Sound: WOS176
In the foreword notes to this release, Robin Stevens asserts that a composer writing for an unfamiliar instrumental family can bring a freshness of approach to the music.
In respect of the two works for full brass band, the professional cellist and brass band neophyte, has most certainly succeeded. Both ‘Brass Odyssey’ and ‘Mancunian Fanfare’ are entirely free of the musical cliches which have plagued so many recent major works for the medium.
Stevens’ musical language is modern but by no means avant-garde. Banders whose ears have acclimatised to the major works of Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen or Elgar Howarth will have no difficulty in comprehending or enjoying this music.
Dazzling range
Of greatest interest, ‘Brass Odyssey’, features a dazzling range of sounds and textures. From a quiet, mysterious beginning, the music proceeds to a rumbustious conclusion 23 minutes later, ending on a quite extraordinary, spine-tingling chord.
Both the programme notes as well as the composer’s biography hint at an underlying meaning to the music, although nothing is explicit. The listener must decide for themselves.
Both the programme notes as well as the composer’s biography hint at an underlying meaning to the music, although nothing is explicit. The listener must decide for themselves.
Tredegar under Ian Porthouse sound very comfortable with the music, the result, perhaps, of its many performances of other contemporary works, most notably those of Gavin Higgins. ’Brass Odyssey’, already 12 years old, deserves more performances, although the biggest obstacle may be the requirement for eight percussionists.
Unaccompanied works
The release also features three works for unaccompanied brass instruments.
‘Rondo alla Berserker’ (cornet), not as frantic a piece as the title suggests, is a two-minute romp with a strong tonal centre which would make an excellent encore piece after, say, a demanding concerto. ‘The Warrior Awakes’ (tuba) and ‘Three-Way Conversation’ (euphonium) are more complex works which require greater concentration on the part of the listener. The programme notes make one wonder if there is perhaps an autobiographical element at play.
The programme notes make one wonder if there is perhaps an autobiographical element at play.
‘Cornutopia’ and ‘Fantasia Drammatica’ are duets for French horns and euphoniums respectively, both featuring experimental compositional techniques and requiring virtuoso performances from the players. Another euphonium duet, ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ is more easily digestible, the piano providing bell-like accompaniment.
Concentration
‘Supplication’ for tuba and piano treats the two protagonists as equals. As with other works on this disc, the listener’s concentration is demanded; the reward comes with repeated hearings.
As with other works on this disc, the listener’s concentration is demanded; the reward comes with repeated hearings.
‘Homage to Dufay’ (euphonium and tuba quartet) is the only work which, for this reviewer, does not quite hit the spot. Written as a tribute to a retiring musicologist at Manchester University, it is a pastiche of the eponymous Renaissance master’s music but seems not so much an integrated work than a succession of brief episodes with a rather flippant, if good-natured finale. But perhaps that was the intention?
The CD concludes with the ‘Mancunian Fanfare’, expanded from its original configuration for sextet (heard earlier) to full brass band. This short work is based upon three musical ideas which interact with one another before concluding on an unexpected and entirely conventional C major chord – which should send the traditionalists home happy.
Alec Gallagher
To purchase:
CD: https://www.worldofbrass.com/102401
Wobplay: https://wobplay.com/
Play list:
1. Brass Odyssey – Brass Band and Percussion
2. The Warrior Awakes
Unaccompanied Soloist: Les Neish (tuba)
3. Mancunian Fanfare (Brass Sextet)
Ensemble: Robert Westacott, Dewi Griffiths, Wilson Taylor, Ryan Richards, Ioan Jones, Lewis Rees
4. Dona Nobi Pacem (Two Euphoniums and Piano)
Soloists: Sion Rhys Jones, Ellie Carlsen
Pianist: Robin Stevens
5. Rondo Alla Berserker
Unaccompanied Soloist: Dewi Griffiths (cornet)
6. Three-Way Conversation
Unaccompanied Soloist: Sion Rhys Jones (euphonium)
7. Cornutopia (Two French Horns)
Soloists: Mary Fair, Peter Richards
8. Homage to Dufay (Two euphoniums, Eb bass & Bb bass)
Soloists: Sion Rhys Jones, Ellie Carlsen, Rhys Michael, Ceri Parry Morgan
9. Supplication (Tuba and Piano)
Soloists: Les Neish (tuba), Colin Druce (piano)
10. Fantasia Drammatica (Two Euphoniums)
Soloists: Sion Rhys Jones, Ellie Carlsen
11. Mancunian Fanfare (Full Brass Band Version)
