Eric Crees, the trombonist who enjoyed a close association with Elgar Howarth over many decades has told 4BR that a coincidental tribute was performed in his honour following news of his recent passing.

"Some time ago I had been asked to conduct a concert in St. Gallen in Switzerland with the brass and percussion of the symphony orchestra in the city's wonderful Tonhalle," he said, "the climax of which was to
feature Elgar's magnificent arrangement of Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition'."

Highest esteem

He added: "Following the news of his death, the players, who held him in the very highest esteem, contacted me and asked if his family would consider it appropriate to dedicate the concert to him. Elgar's son Patrick wholeheartedly agreed, and the event went ahead as such.

It was a particularly moving event for me, as I had played 'Pictures' under his baton with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble at the first two public performances of the piece in August 1979 in Ripon Cathedral and at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, where it made a huge impact."

The musicians of St. Gallen not only played magnificently, but with a great sense of occasion. The audience were rapturous. We all felt that it was a fitting tribute to an outstanding musicianEric Crees

Know the result

In recalling the occasion Eric said: "The arrangement had already been recorded for Argos Records in 1977 and was given terrific reviews, but some critics wondered whether the virtuosity and stamina needed would ever translate into a live performance. We all know the result!

The musicians of St. Gallen not only played magnificently, but with a great sense of occasion. The audience were rapturous.

We all felt that it was a fitting tribute to an outstanding musician."