Cory principal cornet Tom Hutchinson has told 4BR that he's looking forward to the task of delivering the concert premiere of the Derek Bourgeois 'Cornet Concerto' this weekend at the RNCM Brass Band Festival.

The work was one of the last written by the composer prior to his death in September last year, with Tom only releasing a download of it in May 2017.

Wow moment

"As I explained at the time, it was certainly a wow moment when I first looked at it — then a gulp of apprehension,"he said.

"That hasn't changed, but I'm still looking forward to playing it at the Festival on Sunday — it's a wonderful piece and such an enthralling challenge."

Characteristics

That challenge sees a first movement featurings an interchanging, spirited Allegro Vivace section that has a distinctive idiosyncratic 'tongue in cheek' Bourgeois style, whilst contrast comes in the second with a beautifully expressive leitmotif which develops into a delicate obligato solo line, testing the full range of the soloist.

The finale shares many characteristics of the composer's 'Trombone Concerto' — none more so than the exceptionally tricky 6/8 triple tonguing motif that leads to an explosive finish.

Limit

"It's a piece that has really tests me to the limit,"Tom admits. "However, it's also a work that I've enjoyed so much as it contains so much contrast as well as detail.

On one hand it's fearsome with its technique, but on the other so elegant and lyrical. All that and it's rounded off with a tour-de-force ending that leaves you breathless."

As I explained at the time, it was certainly a wow moment when I first looked at it — then a gulp of apprehension. That hasn't changed, but I'm still looking forward to playing it at the Festival on SundayTom Hutchinson

Breather

However, just to give Tom a chance to have a breather he will sit out the opening item of the Cory programme, 'Corineus' by Christopher Bond, before playing the Concerto. After that it's John Pickard's 'Rain, Steam, Speed', Philip Harper's 'Destination Moon' and Ray Steadman-Allen's 'The Beacons'.

"I think I'll really need a rest after that!"he said with a laugh. "If there's an encore I just hope it's short."

RNCM Brass Band Festival

Cory Band (3.00pm)
Conductor: Philip Harper

Corineus (Christopher Bond)
Cornet Concerto (Derek Bourgeois)
Soloist: Tom Hutchinson
Rain, Steam, Speed (John Pickard)
Destination Moon (Philip Harper)
The Beacons (Ray Steadman-Allen)