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An absolute stunner!

It was 'superlative playing', on a 'fantastic performance' that was ' completely brilliant and moving' that according to the judges saw Cory claim the 2018 British Open title...

Cory Celbrate
  Cory celebrate their 2018 British Open triumph

There was no doubt in the opinions of the three judges about the quality of Cory's winning performance of 'A Brussels Requiem'.

Cory (Philip Harper)

Good atmospheric opening — fine control from all players. Fabulous euph euph at 24.

26 — so clear!

In Cold Blood — fine sounds. Great solo trom and xylo — splendid intensity all through as well as detail.

All so good. Slight pushing at 160, but so exciting. 199 — Death bell is just right and great dim by solo horn.

Off stage is just right too. Chorale is splendidly sombre and well controlled.

230 — nice shaped, euph line is affecting and a lovely lilt in the cornet solo. Beautiful baritones and so well shaped and musical.

245 — shame about the slip, but a small blemish on a beautiful face is not ugly!

277 — fine sop. 292 — good groove here

321 — well done solo cornet. Good sop sounds and well controlled cornet duet at 362. Rit in 375??? Exciting and brilliant close.

An absolute stunner!

It's a close call so far, but your slow playing was superlative, notched you in front.

Stephen Roberts


Bar 10 — don't breath there Euph — tuned perc maybe a bit too much — but lovely work from soloists.
15 (tick)

24 — good
26 — well delivered
28 — good pace and detailing
59 — brisk tempo and style. Trom good — xylo fine — good ensemble.
Quality playing this — into 10/8.
154 — all measured
160 — brilliant — very assured and with great panache.
183 (tick)
192 — bold sound and style
199 — well matched chord — nice links to (Mvt) 3.
Cornet sounds off stage (at last) — v(ery) good quality cornets.
213 — nice blend and good dynamics — horn solo well well placed. Bass trom just slightly louder than others — but excellent ensemble and dynamics. 230 — don't overcook. Euph — lovely touch of rubato.
239 — some lovely playing here — just ebb and flow without losing pace and line
247 — beautiful
257 — unlucky bari
260 — nice tone nd movement
271 — nice transition
277 — big moment!

(Mvt) 4 — Good tempo, quality, poise and space. 345 — hi-hat back a bit. 354 — huge sound — but controlled.
362 — great control
369 — tempi so well chosen — driving you at this fastest tempo — reflective and controlled — building to an amazing display of raw power and drive

This was a really top quality performance that had some rare moments of magic that set it apart. I particularly enjoyed the way each tempo and style was so well judged.

Fantastic performance

Rob Wiffin


Beautifully delivered cornet/euph, tastefully shaped.

Piu mosso has the right movement.
Sop/Euph impress 23, 24. Flug is expressive, contrasted by the razor sharp demi semis in cornets.
Agitato — so much energy, drive, determination and class. 84 — Trom fine, and xylo. Bucket-loads of detail page after page.

183 — has such poise and an air of authority. 199 melts away to perfection.
Memoriam — effective cornet calls. 213 — Haunting sounds, wonderful. 230 — so much care, this is very touching, you maintain such a beautiful atmosphere.
The music builds with clear lines and emotion. Energico dances along. So much detail. 322 — awesome cornet!

Meno mosso works perfectly, as does Maestoso, great colour from percussion too. Presto allows you to show off — its suits you — fantastic!!

WOW.

A majestic performance, completely brilliant and moving.

Thank you all

Paul Holland

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