*
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    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it gain ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd