*
banner

Tredegar to premiere Tallis masterpiece

Tredegar Band to give the world premiere of a brass band arrangement of the Thomas Tallis masterpiece 'Spem in Alium' at Llandaff Cathedral in May

Tredegar
  Tredegar's latest musical venture sees them go back to 1570 and the music of Thomas Tallis

Tredegar Band's well earned reputation for musical creativity will see them look back in time to explore music from one of Britain's greatest composers for a major concert performance at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff in May.

Already renowned for their forays into ballet, film and Parliament where they will be performing in July, on this occasion they shift the musical boundaries back to the music of Thomas Tallis with the world premiere performance of his majestic 40-part motet, 'Spem in Alium'.

Crowning glory

Written around 1570 for an ensemble consisting of eight quintets containing a soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass, the opening line, 'Spem in alium nunquam habui' ('I have never put my hope in any other') — has a direct spiritual link — one that will resonate magnificently in the historic surroundings of the Cathedral with it celebrated nave structure, 'Christ in Majesty' by Jacob Epstein.

It is regarded as Tallis' crowning glory, a magnificent exhibition of his craft, but perhaps its most overwhelming quality is its sheer musical power.

Extra performers

Tredegar's solo horn Chris Davies has made a special brass band arrangement of the work which will feature the band augmented by extra performers.

"Tallis is a fascinating composer", he said. "He lived through the upheaval of the reformation — something reflected in his musical output which changed in style to suit the religious and political needs of the time.

I first heard 'Spem in Alium' performed at a church, where all forty singers surrounded the congregation. It was an incredible experience — and something we are hoping to recreate ourselves.

It is regarded as Tallis' crowning glory, a magnificent exhibition of his craft, but perhaps its most overwhelming quality is its sheer musical power4BR

Tallis centrepiece

The work will form the centrepiece of a concert that will also include other works inspired by the composer such as 'Tallis Variations' by Philip Sparke and Peter Graham's 'Prelude on Tallis'.

The band will also be joined by the renowned Palestrina Singers of Cardiff University, who specialise in early music.

MD Ian Porthouse added: "This is another example of how the band is determined to seek out new musical horizons and showcase the versatility of the highest quality brass band music making.

To perform it in the evocative setting of Llandaff Cathedral is something special, so we hope we can attract as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the experience with us."

Place, date, time and tickets

Concert:
Spem in Alium
Saturday May 19th
7:30pm

Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, and £10 for concessions

Buy tickets:

http://tredegar.band/events/speminalium#ticket

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    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd