2018 marks the centenary of the death of one of the greatest cornet players of the Edwardian era when Edwin Firth, principal cornet of Foden's Band was killed serving his country on the 1st June 1918, aged 29.
Concerts
As previously reported on 4BR, to commemorate the centenary and to celebrate his musical life, Foden's will perform two concerts in their home town Sandbach on the 1st and 3rd June, where three of Edwin's instruments, not played for over 100 years will be displayed.
Due to the significance of the events, two of the instruments — one nearly 200 years old, have been taken to specialist instrument repairer and restorer Paul Andrews at Brass Toff to be revived to former glory.
Former Foden's Band Manager Allan Littlemore told 4BR: "We could only safely entrust them to the care and craftsmanship of Paul to whom I am indebted. These are priceless artefacts of Foden's rich history and deserve to be restored in a manner that befits Edwin's brilliance."
The trumpet shall sound
On display will be Edwin's Besson cornet, gifted to him by his father, who originally received if from the Skipton Band in 1902 where he was Musical Director, whilst Paul is already hard at work on a two valve trumpet, which Edwin bought in 1909 and on which he regularly performed 'The Trumpet Shall Sound' from Handel's Messiah.
The third instrument is an 1825 keyed bugle (close-up image above) that he bought out of curiosity and fun.
In addition to the physical memorabilia on show at the concerts, Foden's will also perform his famous march, 'Westward Ho!', whilst the band's Composer in Residence, Andy Scott has written a new work which will be given its world premiere.
The third instrument is an 1825 keyed bugle (close-up image above) that he bought out of curiosity and fun4BR
Tickets:
Tickets for the concert are available from: www.priorbooking.com or marklwilky@hotmail.com
Further reading:
In 2004, Allan Littlemore wrote the following article on Firth for 4BR:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2004/art414.asp#.Wj6hz1Vl_X4
