Steven Mead is making final preparation for the second ever performance of 'The Hallows' Euphonium Concerto with the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt Symphony Orchestra in Offenbach, Germany.

Fearsome

The concerto by the German composer Rolf Rudin is rated by experts to be perhaps the most fearsome in the euphonium repertoire and has already been rated by those heard the world premiere by Steve in 2007 as perhaps the greatest ever work for euphonium and orchestra.

Demanding

Steve told 4BR: "To say it is demanding is an understatement, as its complex solo part is quite extraordinary in its demands, but it is also enjoyable by the audience at first hearing. The hushed finale at the Stuttgart premiere had the capacity audience holding its breath and some of the incredible technique and range moments in the central movement had them shaking their heads in disbelief."

To say it is demanding is an understatement, as its complex solo part is quite extraordinary in its demands, but it is also enjoyable by the audience at first hearingSteven Mead

Irish inspiration

The concerto is in 3 movements and the title hints at an interesting story inspired by Irish mythology and four sacred treasures.

Steve added: "The piece has a very mythical and epic atmosphere and either side of the long and very fast technical middle movement, the euphonium behaves something like the narrator or an old druid who is telling the people something from this ancient and unknown time."