*
banner

The sound of Firth restored to former glory

The work of Paul Andrews at Brass Toff and the playing talent of Mark Wilkinson has helped recall memories of the sound of the great Foden's cornet player Edwin Firth.

Mark Wilkinson
  Mark Wilkinson performed on Edwin Firth's cornet at the special concerts

Foden's recently celebrated the life of their great solo cornet Edwin Firth at a series of special commemorative events in the villages of Elworth and Sandbach.

Firth was regarded as the finest cornet player of his generation, helping the band to win the National Championships in 1910 and the British Open on no less than five occasions between 1909 and 1915.

He was killed in action in France in June 1918 aged 29.

Priceless artefacts

For the events Foden's were able to track down a great deal of his priceless memorabilia thanks to Edwin's grandson, Martyn Firth, including three of his instruments.

These were entrusted to Paul Andrews of BrassToff who set about restoring them to their former glory — including a keyed bugle dating to 1825 and a rare two valve trumpet, which the player bought in 1908 as a curiosity but went on to play in many performances he gave of 'The Trumpet Shall Sound' from 'The Messiah'.

Performed on

His wonderful Boosey & Co 'Class A' cornet, which was originally a gift given to his father by the Skipton Band in 1902, was also overhauled, enabling it to be played by current Foden's principal cornet Mark Wilkinson at the special commemorative concerts.

Mark performed the solo 'Goodbye' arranged over 100 years ago by J Ord Hume, on it (above) — ensuring that a musical connection to his illustrious predecessor was revived in the most intimate manner.

We would like to thank Allan Littlemore and Foden's for entrusting such historic instruments with Brass Toff. It was an honour to restore them for the bandPaul Andrews

Brilliance

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'm indebted. These are priceless artefacts of Foden's rich history and deserve to be restored in a manner that befits Edwin's brilliance."

In response Paul told 4BR: "We would like to thank Allan Littlemore and Foden's for entrusting such historic instruments with Brass Toff. It was an honour to restore them for the band."

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    


NYBBS

Fun and friendship key ingredients to NYBBS success

July 29 • A fantastic week of music making in Perthshire was rounded off with a memorable triptych concert.


Red Admira

Red Admiral still open for late arrivals

July 29 • If you want to be part of the live-broadcast Red Admiral Music Academy Entertainment Contest then you still have time...


Edward Gregson

National study scores now available

July 29 • Study scores of Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' are now available for Studio Music.


Ystradgynlais

Chitty, Chitty Band, Bang

July 29 • The Ystradgynlais Band has been entertaining their local supporters with a little bit of film star help...


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Contest: 171st British Open

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


Chinnor Silver

July 29 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday 4th and would love you to come along and join us for a relaxed blow.There is no impact on your own band just an extra fun blow but with cake and coffeeThe rehearsal is at 11am in our organisations own bandroom


Alder Valley Brass

July 28 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd