*
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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


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 again 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.


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


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd