Good morning from the night before...

After a long, but compelling first day of competition here in Linz, there is plenty to chat about — from who may be in pole position going into the own choice section to why the day finished was past 10.30pm at night with the final performance.

All that and we even had a performance first in a cornet player using a child's swimming daiper as a mute...

15. Festival Brass Band

Conductor: Guy Audenaerts
Country: Belgium
4BR Ranking: 30

Technical accuracy: 17
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 17.5
Control of full dynamic range: 16
Tonal contrasts: 16.5
Tuning/intonation: 17
Quality of band sound: 18
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 17
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 17
Musicianship: 18
Musicality/vision: 18

Total: 172

Festival Brass started with A fine atmosphere opening with some gentle colours and fine control.

The bass sound was really impressive.

We hear some bold stark colours but then also some small easy slips, and this undoubtedly will count against them on a day such as this and a few tuning moments also concerned.

This band has great spirit and some fine players and it's important that we hear articulated detail, especially in the running figures and this could've been more revelation. Tempi were very well selected allowing musical ideas prominence.

Once again the multi layered textures were at times obscured.

The loud playing without focusing clarity can be exciting but not revelatory to the composer's ideas.

This had some genuinely lovely moments but the lack of tuning consistency robs these moments from us. Thanks for a really good performance.

Well that's it for today everyone, hope you've enjoyed this contest.

It's very long and after 10:30 pm here. But it's been a times exciting and exhilarating, even if there has been at times also some overblowing.

The judges will make their decision decisions and everything will go into the mix ready for tomorrow's own choice selections.

Steven Mead

A solid and compact performance by Festival Brass Band on the first day of the championship.

Despite some ensemble inconsistencies in the first two thirds of Doss's work, this brass band has a distinctive sound, shaped by a very dark tuba section, the darkest of the competition, and a brighter upper-mid section, giving them a unique character.

Setting aside a few imperfections in the solos, the band showed good clarity in full ensemble passages that require precision from all musicians.

It was a good interpretation of Alienus!

Bravo!

Patricio Cosentino

14. Gota Brass Band

Conductor: Ryan Watkins
Country: Sweden
4BR Ranking: 53

Technical accuracy: 16.5
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 17.5
Control of full dynamic range: 15
Tonal contrasts: 16
Tuning/intonation: 17.5
Quality of band sound: 16
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 18
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 18
Musicianship: 17
Musicality/vision: 16.5

Total: 168

A very interesting performance from Gota Brass. It clearly had a mission to be bold and strong and that it was! There were some really fine sections and some super high energy approaches in the opening sections work well. The music almost swaggered and musically went straight for the 'jugular' so to speak.

You have to admire the bravery of the approach. The middle section of course was slightly more revelatory with the sparser textures leaving no hiding place. We missed the extraordinary delicacy that we enjoyed with the top five or six bands.

Some interesting stage moving for cornets, but not sure if it made too much difference. A tricky link to the final section but then we were on the final stretch. I can assure you that the 'sleepers' are most definitely awake... wherever they are in Linz!

Bravo to Gota Brass for this brave approach, but I have a feeling the judges will find this a little over the top, especially in the final couple of minutes. All the best for tomorrow.

Steven Mead

The Swedish champions began their participation in the championship with a somewhat uncertain start. Once the initial nerves settled, they stabilized and began to show some of their best qualities.

The soloists had a few moments of weakness, but the band's strategy of positioning certain soloists differently on stage was a very valuable resource, giving them a distinctive approach compared to the other participants.

Towards the end of Alienus, Gota Brass Band found their balance and were able to demonstrate their sonic potential.

Congratulations!

Patricio Cosentino

13. Tredegar

Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Country: Wales
4BR Ranking: 13

Technical accuracy: 18.5
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 19
Control of full dynamic range: 18
Tonal contrasts: 17.5
Tuning/intonation: 18.5
Quality of band sound: 19
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 19
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 19
Musicianship: 19
Musicality/vision: 19.5

Total: 187

A very impressive and consistent performance from Tredegar. It began really well with good control around the stand. We just saw a few spots in the texture and slightly off in mute tuning, but after that we hear some magnificent technique on show, lots of articulated details, with massive bass sounds, trombone is really impressed also.

Be careful with the control of dynamics. As always with this Band, very tight sense of ensemble and this time it's impressive because it's also more secure.

Just hints of overblowing in the final couple of minutes, easy to do in this hall as we know. Generally speaking percussion in good balance.

A very impressive middle band sound and lovely melodic moments for us to enjoy. Nice pacing to the music without it ever feeling rushed.

Bravo on a very consistent and at times, beautiful performance.

Steven Mead

A brilliant performance by Tredegar Town Band on their first day of the championship.

They delivered a vibrant performance of Alienus by Thomas Doss, maintaining admirable consistency from beginning to end.

Very few moments of weakness in a work where any lapse can be costly, but Tredegar maintained magnificent focus throughout.

Beyond technique, dynamic range, clarity, and ensemble precision, the Welsh band offered a truly wonderful musical interpretation.

Bravo!

Patricio Cosentino

12. Valaisia

Conductor: Arsene Duc
Country: Switzerland
4BR Ranking: 9

Technical accuracy: 19.5
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 19
Control of full dynamic range: 18.5
Tonal contrasts: 19
Tuning/intonation: 19.5
Quality of band sound: 19
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 19
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 20
Musicianship: 20
Musicality/vision: 19.5

Total: 193.5

Another great performance, this time from Valaisia and another standing ovation inside the Brucknerhaus.

Some absolutely stunning playing throughout, none more than solo euphonium who once again endeared us with his rich warm sound and complete solidity under pressure. A massive bass section underpinned the bands performance.

It was exciting, exhilarating, but for me occasionally too loud!

When you compare this fantastic performance with both Willebroek and Flowers, we didn't hear that absolute straight fff sound as we got here. The three judges in the box will have their opinions about this.

No doubt this was an incredible performance and deserves to be rewarded. It's absolutely one of the big three performances of the day for me so far! Congratulations on the super performance.

Steven Mead

A brilliant performance by the Swiss, with the clarity and precision characteristic of brass bands from that country.

An overwhelming clarity throughout the entire brass band, showing an almost flawless technique. A few notes slipped during the solos, which does not reflect the level of either the band or the soloists, but in live performance this happens more often than one might think.

Without a doubt, the sonic potential of this brass band is enormous, and they aim for a brighter sound than usual, which also makes them stand out, while always remaining within a refined sound aesthetic.

There is no doubt that the Swiss champions will be near the top of the rankings and will fight for a place on the podium if things go well tomorrow.

Congratulations, Valerian Brass Band! Bravo!

Patricio Cosentino

11. Hauts de France

Conductor: Luc Vertommen
Country: France
4BR Ranking: 37

Technical accuracy: 18.5
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 19
Control of full dynamic range: 18.5
Tonal contrasts: 19
Tuning/intonation: 18
Quality of band sound: 19
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 19.5
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 19.5
Musicianship: 19.5
Musicality/vision: 19.5

Total: 190

A really fantastic performance from the French champions. It got better and better as the piece went on. Outstanding Euphonium playing in all the solos, and fantastic contributions abound.

The beginning was slightly unbalanced and a touch of insecurity and small details missing, then as the piece developed into the second section we heard such impressive scalic work with some beautiful magical colours and sonorities.

As always with this band some nice original touches but also some tuning issues with mute surface in the middle section.

A really beautiful end to that central section however followed by an exciting and driving yet controlled ending. Very impressive.

Steven Mead

An outstanding performance by France on the first day of the European Championship.

Although there were moments of some ensemble imbalance in the first two thirds of Alienus, the solos were performed at a high level by all the soloists, particularly the principal cornet, who took significant risks in the softest dynamics, as well as the euphonium soloist and the Eb tuba player.

Any inconsistencies that may have existed disappeared in the final third of the work, allowing the full sonic and technical potential of the French champions to emerge.

A brilliant interpretation of Alienus that will surely place them high in the rankings! Bravo la France!

Patricio Cosentino

10. Whitburn

Country: Scotland
Conductor: Prof Nicholas Childs
4BR Ranking: 15

Technical accuracy: 17
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 18.5
Control of full dynamic range: 17
Tonal contrasts: 18
Tuning/intonation: 17
Quality of band sound: 18.5
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 17.5
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 18.8
Musicianship: 18.5
Musicality/vision: 19

Total: 179.5

An impressive performance from Whitburn with a shaped and well constructive performance. Generally good security and some really excellent playing, especially from soprano and baritone.

The performance started well with lots of beautiful colours and sounds. It became noticeable especially in the middle section that some of the very soft dynamics were played a little bit louder reducing the dynamic and tonal contrasts that we've had a couple of times previously.

It was a controlled performance with some characterful and brave solo playing. A well-balanced band sound throughout, and should hold its own well in the list of performances today. On to tomorrow and let's see what they can bring out of the bag! Bravo all.

Steven Mead

This was a great performance by the Scottish champions, demonstrating technical skill, dynamic control, and musicality.

There were some moments where ensemble precision suffered slightly, along with a lack of clarity in the tuba section, especially in passages where Doss requires shorter articulation from that section.

As for the band's sonic abilities, there is no doubt they possess excellent control of dynamics and a high level of technical finesse, allowing them to approach Alienus in a brilliant way.

The solos were performed masterfully, with a certain flair and risk-taking from the soloists that brought a vibrant musicality.

Without a doubt, a great performance by Whitburn Band on their first day in Linz! Bravo!

Patricio Cosentino

Anabel Voigt: Halfway Impression

An amazing piece — so rewarding to listen to.

It presents so many challenges.

Particularly, the stylistic contrasts between the choral like and technical sections which require different stylistics, and sound colours.

But also with moments that put a smile on your face, and when played well this piece offers so many emotions.

The atmosphere in the hall is wonderful too — a very enthusiastic audience, cheering for everyone and giving great support.

I think when bands perform this piece at the highest level, it is easy to forget just how difficult it really is.

For me this currently sets the top bands apart, when listening, one for example forgets how difficult the soli really are and just enjoys the music.

The hall supports both ends of the dynamic range very well, though I feel one has to be careful with very loud, direct sounds — they can quickly become harsh to the ear.

But overall it already has been a joy to hear the diversity of sound concepts the different bands brought to the piece.

One of the great pleasures of the Europeans in my opinion is also to hear a variety of band sounds, all beautiful but characteristic for each country, it creates diversity and makes his event really special.

Anabel Voigt

9. 3BA Concert Brass

Country: Germany
Conductor: Erik Janssen
4BR Ranking: 57

Technical accuracy: 17
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 18
Control of full dynamic range: 18.5
Tonal contrasts: 17.5
Tuning/intonation: 18
Quality of band sound: 18.5
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 18.5
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 18
Musicianship: 18
Musicality/vision: 18.5

Total: 180.5

A very impressive rendition of Alienus, so detailed and well executed.

Not all of the colours could be conveyed but a fine sense of style and understanding by the conductor is demonstrated.

Individual voices showed confidence and the balance in the band is first class. A real sense of elegance in the plane.

Only a few isolated moments of discomfort in the central exposed section where one or two notes lose focus.

The mythical quality of this central section was so well maintained, again demonstrating high class precision and maintain a high level of balance. Congratulations to all on this fine performance.

Steven Mead

A solid performance by the Germans on their first day of the European Championship.

Beyond some ensemble inconsistencies and certain moments lacking clarity, particularly in some precision passages in the tuba section, the interpretation was correct.

There is also a noticeable positive development in the band's work on dynamics, from a group that has been consistently present at the European Championship for years.

Some inconsistencies in the soloists did not overshadow the performance of the German champions.

Good work!

Patricio Cosentino

8. Flowers

Country: England
Conductor: Paul Holland
4BR Ranking: 6

Technical accuracy: 19.5
Rhythmic precision and clarity: 20
Control of full dynamic range: 20
Tonal contrasts: 20
Tuning/intonation: 19.5
Quality of band sound: 19.5
Quality of soloists (high/middle brass): 20
Quality of soloists (low brass/percussion): 20
Musicianship: 20
Musicality/vision: 20

Total: 198.5

There's no other way to say it — but this was one of the most sensational contest performance I have ever heard at a brass band contest.

My goodness me, the entire hall gave them an extended standing innovation and well-deserved.

What more can one say about this performance?

It had absolutely everything: Soloists playing to perfection.

I have really no more words except this will go down at least in my memory as a totally landmark performance.

Thank you, all

Steven Mead

An astonishing level of precision from the English champions in this European Championship.

It wasn't only the solos, they achieved remarkable clarity across all lines of the band and throughout Alienus, presenting the audience with passages, colours, and textures not heard from the other competitors.

The version presented by Flowers Band is truly impressive.

On a more personal note, I find that the level of control they reached is extraordinary, but in my opinion it slightly reduced the sense of musical excitement.

It was musically beautiful, without a doubt, and in addition they pushed the dynamics even further, demonstrating an astonishing dynamic range.

Definitely one of the most brilliant interpretations of Alienus today!

Bravissimo!

Patricio Cosentino