*
banner

Downie delight

Composer enjoys a great day of his music making at the Royal Albert Hall.

Kenneth Downie
 

Kenneth Downie was a very contented man after listening to all 20 performances from the competing bands on Saturday.

The composer of ‘Concertino for Brass Band’ thoroughly enjoyed the experience too.

Wonderful day

"It was a wonderful day. I am full of admiration for all the bands and the amount of work they must have put into providing such marvellous music making. I really do thank them all."

It was a wonderful day. I am full of admiration for all the bands and the amount of work they must have put into providing such marvellous music making. I really do thank them allKenneth Downie

Deeply impressed

He was also deeply impressed by the winners too: "Black Dyke was an exceptional performance, so detailed and musical, although so many performances made a lasting impression on me today."

On a day when the end of the second movement caused problems for every band, Dr Downie was sympathetic — too a degree. "I initally thought of leaving the last note to be played just by the soprano on the top A, but I think that would have been a little cruel. The main problems though seemed to be with other parts of the chord and not just the soprano having to playing very quietly without a mute."

Heard in full

Dr Downie also revealed that he would still have liked to have heard his work in its full glory however, as he felt that the missing second movement ‘Scherzo’ gave it a much more balanced feel.

"I think it would have been nice to hear the ‘Concerto’ in full, but I understand the time constraints involved. I do hope however that bands take the opportunity perform the ‘Scherzo’ in future. It has been published separately, so it could be added without a problem."

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd