*
banner

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

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.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd