*
banner

Hutchinson ready for Bourgeois breath test

Cory principal cornet Tom Hutchinson will be performing the daunting Derek Bourgeois Cornet Concerto with Cory Band on Sunday at the RNCM Brass Band Festival.

Cry
 

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)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


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


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd