Test piece:
Rococo Variations, Edward Gregson

Adjudicators:
David Read, Michael Ball, Peter Parkes

Commences: 11.00am

What do we think?

A highly enjoyable if long day. Excellent performances from draw number 1 to 17, but we think the title may stay in Wales for another year. It’s Cory for us by a hairs breadth from Fodens, with Dyke's brave effort in third.

The others? We go for Grimethorpe, Desford and Brighouse with Hepworth our dark horse.

1. Cory
2. Fodens
3. Dyke
4. Grimethorpe
5. Desford
6. Brighouse
Dark horse: Hepworth

...we think the title may stay in Wales for another year. It's Cory for us by a hairs breadth from Fodens, with Dyke brave effort in third4barsrest

Live:

Time: c.1745
Hepworth (Cookson Homes), Ian Porthouse, 17

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Precise style is straight laced to keep noble feel and is constant. Howarth variation is a little uneven in execution at times but has vibrancy and character.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Gentle flow has the odd ripple but it meanders stylishly. Spoke too soon! Horns – wrong ‘uns? It loses focus and just struggles to close. Recovers well with dark witty waltz though.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
McCabe has the right feel of malevolent intent – spiky and clear in technique and at pace. Lament has richly dark heart of emotion. Powerful portrait despite the odd blip or two.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
More good stuff. Sensible tempo. Just allows enough of the ‘diabolical’ feel to come thorough to a controlled ending.

Overall:
A good one that just failed to be a contender. May just surprise though.

Time: c.1720
Brighouse & Rastrick, Alan Morrison, 16

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Clip to start but it’s very noble and consistent in style and execution. Howarth variation seems ill at ease though – a bit edgy despite the energy.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Gentle flow has the odd ripple in lead lines at times but it is a persuasive style. Waltz is the same – neat, dark, tongue in cheek wit allied to the odd moment of insecurity.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
GBH violence in McCabe – strong, powerful and spiky – as requested. High quality this. Lament however seems matter of fact and lacks the introspective melancholy. Doesn’t quite fit the bill for us.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Pacy this. Just lacks sinister feel. Lots of cracking playing though right to the huge ending.

Overall:
Very nearly a cracker but not quite, as the ultimate execution didn’t quite meet the musical intentions. Close though.

Time: c.1700
Kirkintilloch, Selmer Simonsen, 15

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Very precise and stylised opening flows with straight backed nobility. Howarth has energy and style despite the odd knock back.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
A no nonsense sense of flowing style helped by secure solo leads and ensemble foundation. Neat waltz is a touch dry in wit but once again it is very secure in its aims and objectives.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
More Scottish solidity and violent panache. Well handled this – stylish playing. Lament is certainly not maudling – the passionate emotion flows quickly in the veins. Ends darkly too.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Good tempo allows scope to meet the ‘diabolical’ demands. Well handled if just a touch tired at the very end.

Overall:
A very solid secure and unpretentious account this. A great deal to admire in fact. Should more than hold its own.

Time: c.1630
Flowers, David Hirst, 14

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Opening certainly flows but it is slightly compound in rhythm. Safe enough though as is the Howarth which is lively if just lacking real detail.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Gentle flow is aided by solid no nonsense lead lines and secure ensemble – except ending! Waltz is perhaps a touch pacy to really have that dark wit and tongue in cheek humour required – but safe enough again.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
McCabe is well handled – neat touch of violent intent and lots of detail with energy. Lament is also pacy and lacks feel of dark brooding melancholy. Loses focus towards ending.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Decent tempo allows for clarity and detail. Well controlled but just tired towards the big finish.

Overall:
A solid enough showing this. Some of the tempos may be questioned but it could have just done enough for safety.

Time: c.1610
Scottish Co-op, Andrew Duncan, 13

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Stately opening is safe and secure if a little bland. Howarth too lacks energy but it is solidly delivered. No risks being taken here.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Lovely solo lines enhance a slightly dour tempo; nothing much wrong. Waltz lacks real depth of wit and detail. No real humour – a bit straight laced but safe.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
McCabe lacks violent intent and is scrappy. Lack of detail is too obvious as is euph lead in Lament with basses. The focus is lost here. Plenty of dark emotion but it is error strewn.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Sensible tempo and things are back on track. Just starts to tire in the final run for home.

Overall:
Set out to do a specific job this but the poor Lament and general blandness may cost despite decent individual contributions.

Time: c.1550
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Russell Gray, 12

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Opening flows – just. Stately indeed but solidly played. Howarth has variance and pace but just lacks precision and colour.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Gentle flow is just disturbed now and again by little ripples of insecurity. Waltz too – stylish and witty but also lacking some precision at times.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
McCabe perhaps lacks violent intent but its pacy and exciting. Lament is red in tooth and claw. Every last ounce of emotion is wrung out. Little clips take the edge off the intensity.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Sensible tempo allows clarity but it lacks a touch of sparkle. It’s all there but needs more life. Big old ending.

Overall:
Strangely for Mr Gray this was a performance that matched his name. Nothing much wrong but a bit non-descript.

Time: c.1525
Cory Band, Dr. Robert Childs, 11

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Super start – noble style and consistent execution with so much clear detail. Howarth toccata is razor sharp in precision and energy.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Lovely gentle flow is led by classy solo leads and detailed ensemble. Dark waltz has almost macabre wit and style.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Classic Cory – so much detail and effect. Violence in graphic detail this! The precision is stunning. The lament is so dark in emotion – aching melancholy but with so much restraint too.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
More technical tour de force playing. It’s the detail that so impresses. Control and finesse and an awesome finale. What an ending!

Overall:
A quite stunning performance this. Playing of the very highest quality. It’s beat the lot for us.

Time: c.1500
Fodens Richardson, Garry Cutt, 10

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Superb opening. Perfect style and execution. Howarth toccata is full of subtle nuance and detail and energy.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Lovely stuff – flows with gentle pulse and excellent solo leads. So classy this. Dark witty waltz is played with real finesse and security.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
There is an elegant violence to the McCabe backed by crystal detail and energy. Real black emotion in the lament – tremendously melancholic. Deeply impressive.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Spot on tempo. Allows for clarity, detail and enough space to accel to a glorious finale. Bravo!

Overall:
Right out of the very top drawer this. Playing of rich emotion allied to technical brilliance. Right in the mix for glory.

Time: c.1435
Whitburn, Steven Mead, 9

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Solid feel of nobility to start but it is uneven in execution. Howarth is rocky but eventually is impressive. Takes time to settle.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
A lovely gentle flow with quality leads but not all is totally secure. Just takes the gloss off. Super waltz. All darkness and sly wit. Stylish stuff

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
McCabe has violent intent despite odd scrappy moment here and there. Heaton Lament moves with dark melancholy that turns to heart on sleeve stuff. We query solo pick-ups – all different. Didn’t quite come off.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Sensible stuff. Transparent and controlled – the best playing of the performance leads to a fine end.

Overall:
A performance that didn’t quite match its musical intent and ambition. If it had it could have featured. May just miss out.

This is bubbling up nicely. At the half way point we plumb for Dyke off the number 1 spot. Behind them, it’s Grimethorpe with Desford and Fairey’s putting in strong performances. Still plenty to play for but can Dyke be beaten.

So our top four at the half way point is:

1. Dyke
2. Grimey
3. Desford
4. Fairey

Time: c.1350
Fairey, Philip Chalk, 8

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Superb opening – a noble style and collective execution. Stately and musical. Howarth has the odd glitch but it’s precise and has energy.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
More quality – lovely flow with high class solo lines and ensemble security. Waltz perhaps needs more sinister wit, but lots to admire in execution.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Powerful and violent McCabe. A bit scrappy now and again but it’s strongly coloured. Solid and darkly hued. Emotionally restrained but it is persuasively shaped. Just loses focus to end – a pity as it lost flow.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Decent stuff. Lots of detail if not quite ‘diabolical’ in style. Plenty left for a well maintained end.

Overall:
Lots to admire in this. Lament may cost but overall this was a performance of real substantial merit and execution.

Time: c.1325
BTM, Nigel Boddice, 7

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Nervous opening robs theme of nobility and security. Takes time to settle this but Howarth toccata has character.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Fine flow has gentle ebb and flow with quality solo lines and neat musical shape. Waltz perhaps lacks dark tongue in cheek wit but is securely delivered.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
McCabe needs that sense of violent intent and real spiked detail but it is solidly delivered. Lament is securely handled. It is a little cold emotionally but does its job.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Sensible and transparent playing. Controlled stuff and just enough in the tank to close out well.

Overall:
The poor start will cost but a performance that grew in confidence thereafter with plenty to admire if a little non-descript.

Time: c.1300
Grimethorpe Colliery, Allan Withington, 6

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Noble start has noticeable differences in style and approach. Solidly done. Slightly uneasy at times in the Howarth but very stylish.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Fabulous playing in solo and ensemble. So musical and full of character. Brilliant waltz too. Dark witty and sinister. Great technique too.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Wow! So much detail and clarity in solo and ensemble lines. Tastefully violent! Real sense of melancholic despair in lament. Odd little moment here and there but it wrung every ounce of emotion out.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
It’s high tempo brilliance. It’s all tour de force stuff right to an immense end.

Overall:
A performance or immense musicality and technical bravura. The wow factor is nearly off the scale. Huge stuff in all senses. But is it enough?

Time: c.1235
YBS Band, Morgan Griffiths, 5

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Solid no-nonsense theme flows nobley into Howarth toccata that is uneven in execution but neatly styled.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Ebb and flow is obvious but it lacks subtlety – it is a bit forced. Waltz is all there but is lacking that real sense of dark wit.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Exciting but scrappy McCabe – the real detail isn’t transparent. Lament is powerful and a touch overweight – it needs more melancholy – not always secure in execution.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Workmanlike fugue – all secure but not having that sparkle. Big bold and solid weight to the end.

Overall:
An artisan performance. Solid and unspectacular in need of more character and style perhaps, but one that did what it set out to achieve.

Time: c.1215
Leyland, Jason Katsikaris, 4

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Real flow to opening. Very secure stuff. Careful with the rubato MD – it’s risky. Real Howarth toccata though – cracking.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Flow just spoilt by fragility in places but nice feel. Waltz lacks wit and darkness for us. Not really tongue in cheek perhaps? A little too serious.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Powerful and energetic. McCabe — high octane stuff. Lament moves along but the volume control has gone missing and so too the emotional intensity. Overwrought this.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
It’s all in place and well executed but it is harsh. Less is more perhaps. OTT to end.

Overall:
A performance of powerful intent. Too powerful for us at times as it lacked a degree of subtlety in places. Popular in the hall though.

Time: c.1150
Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman, 3

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Noble feel to theme – just blemished in places. Neat toccata – just needs more spike and energy for us.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Lovely flow and feel to start but a touch fragile too. Waltz is superb though – dark witty and elegant. Almost perfect.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Very stylish – violent even – as asked by composer. Just gets untidy in places. Darkly hued lament is powerfully emotive. Real heart on sleeve stuff.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
A little scrappy and a touch overblown in places but the ‘diabolical’ feel is so obvious. Huge sounds to end in style.

Overall:
A high class performance – not always 100 per cent. Not always secure in execution but very stylish and full of character.

Time: c.1125
Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 2

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Flowing opening is uneven stylistically but safe. Howarth inspired toccata is solid if a little bland.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Ebb and flow has quality lead lines and solidity. Waltz not quite eloquently witty but it is secure. Needs sinister edge.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Lots of McCabe contrasts but needs a touch of silkiness. Lament is emotive but tension creates nassty slips and ensemble fragility.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Recovers somewhat but it takes time really to sparkle. Sounds a little tired in finale.

Overall:
Solid enough but below par. Lament will surely cost today. Too many expensive solo and ensemble problems.

Time: 1100
Black Dyke, Dr. Nicholas Childs, 1

Theme/Toccata (Howarth)
Stately flow to a noble start leads to a very precise Howarth inspired Toccata.

Siciliana (Steadman-Allen) and Waltz (Eric Ball)
Gentle flowing movement with lovely solo features. Waltz is dark and sinister in wit too.

Moto Perpetuo (McCabe) and Lament (Heaton)
Great technique in McCabe movement leads to a real emotive lament. Outstanding solo voices and superb ensemble. Intense stuff.

Fugal Scherzo (Wilby)
Powerhouse playing. Real subversive stuff leads to glorious sustained climax. Superb end.

Overall:
What a marker. The very highest bar has been set here and will take something to beat it. What a start!