*
banner

Baker dances the Light Fantastic

A new concerto from the pen of Prof Philip Wilby has found soloist Brett Baker in his dancing shoes at Ripon Cathedral.

Brett Baker and Prof Wilby
  Dance partners: Brett Baker and Prof Philip Wilby

A major new concerto by composer Philip Wilby has provided the centerpiece of a recital given by Black Dyke's solo trombone Brett Baker which was recorded in June at Ripon Cathedral.

Light Fantastic

'Light Fantastic' formed part on a series at the venue, with Brett joined for the recorded performance by pianist and organist Tim Harper.

The work was written in memory of Canon Dr Colin Harrison, CBE, an eminent scientist and industrialist, and Capitular Canon of Ripon Cathedral, who died in 2019.

Composed at the request of his widow Janina and with input from his children who both play the trombone, the piece celebrates his life, energy, and influence, with Prof Wilby telling 4BR: "In planning the complexities of this score, Janina and I enjoyed memories of Colin's time at the cathedral.

There were some reflective moments, of course but also some light hearted and happy times.

Dance suites

In consequence of this mixture of memories, I have chosen to write a piece that reuses the pattern of the popular dance suites of the late Baroque era: Typically this involves the stately opening and complex inner movement of a French overture, followed by a string of dances.

These include 'Kemp's Jig', a tribute to Shakespeare's famous clown who danced from London to Norwich, a solo adage, a duo jive, and a 'comedia dell'arte' trio for solemn Pantalone, lovely 'Columbina' and clown Pulcinella."

Solo return

For Brett the opportunity to give the world premiere also marked his return to the performance stage since the beginning of Covid-19 restrictions.

He said: "I was delighted to work on and perform Philip's fantastic concerto. This was the first solo performance for me of 2021, so it was a thrill to play with Tim in the wonderful acoustic of the cathedral."

I have chosen to write a piece that reuses the pattern of the popular dance suites of the late Baroque era: Typically this involves the stately opening and complex inner movement of a French overture, followed by a string of dancesProf Wilby

Happy memories

The inclusion of a 'jive' came from an abiding memory of Colin's widow Janina, who added: "We learnt the jive, but unfortunately Colin frequently got it wrong and so he was forced to put in a little hop so as to correct himself and try to keep in time!

Until he died he was still, when dancing, trying to do the jive and included a hop and at the same time one arm would whirl round and round like a clock face!"

An ensemble from Black Dyke will also be playing on the forecourt of Ripon Cathedral at 11.30am on Sunday July 4th.

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    


Broders

Annan Town to defend their entertainment borders in Jedburgh

October 27 • 15 bands will compete at the Borders Entertainment Contest in Jedburgh this weekend.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

October 27 • Music linked to Remembrance Day is brought to us by Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge


Wychavon

Final line-up of Wychavon entertainers announced

October 27 • There will be full day of brass band entertainment and plenty of prizes on offer in Evesham this weekend.


Danish Champions

Danish bands ready for National challenges

October 27 • The Danish National Championships take place in Aarhus this weekend with titles up for grabs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


City of Norwich Brass

October 25 • We’re Recruiting!. Do you have the sound, passion, and presence to lead our trombone section?. We’re looking for a Solo Trombone to join our friendly and ambitious brass band.. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Hethersett Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 3JJ


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd