The propensity for the All England Masters International contest to produce something of a surprise now and again, occurred on Sunday, when Desford Colliery, conducted by Nigel Seaman walked away from the Cambridge Corn Exchange with the £4,000 top prize.
Their performance of Martin Ellerby’s ‘Malcolm Arnold Variations’ at the midway point of the contest saw them take the title ahead of the in form Tredegar, directed by Ian Porthouse, with the highly delighted French champion, Brass Band Aeolus conducted by Bastien Stil in third.
Desford’s performance wasn’t without error, but it was a super interpretation – so elegant and full of the necessary characterDavid Read
Three major wins
Desford have now bagged the three major contest titles they have entered this year — the Mineworkers at Butlins, the Midlands Area and now the Masters. Their decision not to enter the English National Championships later next month seems to have been fully justified, as they took their 2008 winnings to over the £10,000 mark.
Elegant
Adjudicator David Read, who was in the box with Eric Crees and Philip Sparke, confirmed that it was a difficult decision to make on the day, with the top two bands very close together. “Desford’s performance wasn’t without error” he told 4BR. “…but it was a super interpretation – so elegant and full of the necessary character.”
Raised eyebrows
The eyebrows of the audience seemed to be raised somewhat when pre contest favourites, Fodens Richardson was announced in sixth place. Their performance under Garry Cutt certainly found favour with a majority of people in the audience from the number 13 draw, but not it seemed, as much, in the box.
European form
The Europeans meanwhile continued their good form with the fancied Brass Band Treize Etoiles taking fifth place after delivering a very confident performance under Geo Pierre Moran, whilst there was obvious delight for London Area Champion, Redbridge under the direction Jeremy Wise, whose persuasive interpretation gained fourth place.
French Instrumentalist
The 4barsrest.com best instrumentalist Award went over the English Channel for the first time in its history, when the cultured cornet playing of Brass Band Aeolus principal cornet Clement Saunier took the £250 prize and trophy.
Test piece:
Malcolm Arnold Variations, Martin Ellerby
Adjudicators:
Eric Crees, David Read, Philip Sparke
Results
1. Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman, 11
2. Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, 12
3. Brass Band Aeolus, Bastien Stil, 4
4. Redbridge, Jeremy Wise, 10
5. Brass Band Treize Etoiles, Geo Pierre Moren,
6. Fodens Richardson, Garry Cutt, 13
7. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 2
8. Virtuosi GUS, John Berryman,
9. Fairey Band, Phil Chalk, 17
10. Wingates, Andrew Berryman, 9
11. Aveley and Newham, Nigel Taken, 21
12. YBS Band, Morgan Griffiths, 14
13. Soli Brass, Frans-Aert Burghgraef, 6
14. PolySteel, Philip Harper, 16
15. 1st Old Boys Association Silver, Stephen Cairns, 3
16. Reg Vardy, Richard Evans, 20
17. Scottish Co-op, Allan Ramsay, 15
18. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Russell Gray, 18
19. Bedwas Trethomas and Machen (BTM), Nigel Boddice, 7
20. Jaguar (Coventry), David Lea, 1
21. Hepworth (Cookson Homes), Mark Bentham, 19
4barsrest.com best instrumentalist:
Clement Saunier — Principal Cornet (Brass Band Aelous)
