2003 European Championships

Live from Grieghallen, Bergen
Yorkshire Building Society, BAYV Cory, European Youth Band, Manger Musikklag, Stavanger Brass, Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag, Brottum Brass.
Total Playing Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Doyen: DOYCD153

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The vast majority of listeners to this double album will no doubt come to it like me having not been fortunate enough to be in Bergen or have the advantage of a score for the Championship section test-piece ‘Aubade – Dawn Songs of the Fabulous Birds'. It was therefore with interested and most inquisitive ears that I approached this CD for the first time.

Some traditionalists may approach the new music presented here with caution and they will quickly be able to test the water with the music of Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen and Derek Bourgeois - both presented on CD 1. There is no need to be cautious though because what can't be denied with these remarkable and powerful compositions is the emotion, tension, unusual and skilful writing that comes out in the luminous warmth of the recordings. It says much for the acoustics of the Grieg Hall in Bergen that the detail of these complex works comes sparkling through (as well as the skill of the producer and sound technician)

The music by YBS and David King is presented with superb definition that really helps to create the atmosphere and musical picture the Norwegian composer surely intended. ‘Aubade' is, without question a challenging work, but the interpretation has every conceivable mood from the biting and virtuoso to the exuberant and electrifying. In truth these comments could cover the music on the whole album and although it is inconceivable that the listener will come away from this music from Aagaard – Nilsen whistling a theme, the tone abstracts painted by the composer are as interesting as they are complex. YBS are simply stunning.

‘Revelation' (Buy As You View Cory Band) is equally striking and the clarity of the recording sparkles with the energy and verve one would expect from a live performance. The recording manages most effectively to encapsulate the skill and fire of the conductor as well as the beautiful artistry of the band and soloists. This was a performance that really had you on the edge of your seat – and although the opening still makes you question whether or not the basses were actually playing (you really had to be on the edge of your seat – it was that quiet) you cannot deny that what developed was a supremely articulate and thrilling performance. It thoroughly deserved the ovation at the end and the plaudits.

‘Prelude from the Holberg Suite' gives much pleasure and a warm resonant acoustic helps bring out the strikingly successful playing in the film scores ‘Born on the Fourth of July' and ‘Reunion and Finale' which feature some super trumpet playing from Ben Godfrey and show that YBS are not just a formidable contesting band – when they are in the mood their concert performances are corkers as well.

Stavanger also showed that when it comes to innovative concert items there are not too many better than getting an audience in a happy, clappy mood. Powerful in atmosphere, the fervour of the audience and the obviously enthusiastic playing make for most compelling sounds. I would defy anyone not to smile broadly whilst listening to Stavanger Brass play ‘Kongalela'

Finally a real tour de force – and a live tour de force at that. Given what YBS had to go through to retain their European title you could have forgiven them for relaxing a tad come the celebrations, but with this immense work from Derek Bourgeois they showed admirable reserves of stamina and professionalism and the listener is rewarded by a cracking performance. In this live ‘Apocalypse' it is interesting that the recurring motif seems to be given more prominence in the unfolding powerful and intense creation which grows from the very beginnings of the composition. In comparison to the "studio" release of the work this live performance stands up very well indeed, both in musical and technical terms as very little of the intricate detail is lost in the acoustics of the hall in Bergen. It is a very, very powerful work – difficult and challenging to both players and listeners alike, but still very, very rewarding.

CD 2 opens once more with music from the pen of Derek Bourgeois, with a repeat performance by YBS of 'Concerto Grosso' - the piece they won on in 2002. It remains a stunning composition with a range of styles and moods that only a very few bands can master, and YBS once more give a cracking show, with the tuba playing of Gavin Saynor just breathtaking. They steer the listener through this 20-minute work (only 10 seconds slower than their 2002 effort) with a clear and committed performance of the highest class. The vivid sound and excellent playing give no cause for disappointment.

Winners of the B Section, Brøttum Brass give a performance of 'The Kingdom Triumphant' (Eric Ball) with nice attention to detail. The conductor Erling J Myrseth is plainly conscientious in his approach and the playing is obviously well prepared and has real finish. As with all the music the recording of both these pieces is clean, well focused and bright and although the overall standard of the B Section was perhaps a bit disappointing this shows a band with the basics well mastered.

The next items juxtapose the contrasting bands and personalities on display in the Farewell Concert. The ambience of the warmly resonant hall was flattering to the bands and they took the opportunity to present a selection of music that truly fitted the bill. The players clearly enjoyed themselves and the music had a ready vitality that is most enjoyable and is a fine reminder of a finale to a quite outstanding festival of brass band playing. BAYV Cory put their disappointment of not quite taking home the big prize by showcasing their immense abilities with some super relaxed playing (complete with David Childs and Chris Thomas sparklers) and they must be congratulated for such a professional display when surely they were looking forward to the trip back to Wales. The European Youth Band were also one of the big successes of the European and the memories these youngsters will take home with them will surely last a lifetime. Their performance of the Fucik "Florentine March" has style and panache and gives a reminder to the lucky people who saw them in concert of how good a conductor, Helge Haukas is.

Finally there is the reminder of a tremendously brave effort from Allan Withington and Manger Musikklag on Harmony Music (Philip Sparke) in a robust performance with some polished playing which took 5th place in contest. It could have been a winner on any other day, but the effort to match the likes of YBS and BAYV Cory just cost them. It was a fine effort though.

BAYV Cory Band end the compilation and the 'Europeans 2003' playing the 1812 Overture with plenty of adrenaline without ever letting this enthusiasm drown the music – a fitting end to a quite outstanding 26th European Championships.

This is a very distinguished 2CD set, with a simple but clear sleeve note, combines 156 minutes of varied musical styles and complexity and comes with a strong recommendation.

John James

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