The Nationals 2003

Various Australian Brass and Wind bands
Muso's Media: MM2-012
Total Playing Time: 61.34 mins

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In recent years it has become quite common for CDs to be produced which mark the various competitions which have taken place, notable among these being the Europeans, and National Championships in Norway and Australia. They can give an interesting snapshot view of the standards achieved around the world, and may also introduce the listener to new repertoire.

Whereas Doyen produces separate recordings for the Norwegian brass and wind contests, Muso's Media have produced a single disc of highlights of both the brass and wind championships that took place in Australia in 2003. The brass band championship was actually won by an interloper - Waitakere Brass from New Zealand, conducted by former Grimethorpe player Andrew Snell - and there is also a opportunity to hear a march played by the first Japanese band to cross the Pacific to compete.

The competitions took place in two different venues, and from the recorded sound it does not appear that either is ideal for recording, with the brass in particular sounding rather boomy at times. The performances themselves contain the usual blips associated with live recordings, but do capture
something of the sense of occasion and contest atmosphere.

The disc opens with South Brisbane playing James Ord Hume's popular march "BB and CF", a reading that won them the stage march section. Whether in part due to the effect of the acoustic, the sound
produced is rather harsh, with excessive attack at times, and almost sounds like massed bands rather
than just one. Although the articulation is clean, they seem to be trying a little too hard, and the intonation at the top end is not all it could be. The band definitely comes across better in the quieter sections.

The hymn tune section was won by Waitakere, the overall champions, who chose "On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss", arranged by Holsinger and transcribed for band by Barrie Gott. Many of the great hymns
have come from times of personal stress and turmoil, and the words of "It is well with my soul" were
written at such a period: the author, Horatio Spafford had been working amongst the aftermath of the Chicago fire of 1871; after assisting those in need for two years he and his family decided to take a trip to England. His wife and children departed first, only for their boat to be involved in a collision at sea resulting in the death of his four daughters. He then wrote the words of the hymn which was set to music by Philip Bliss.

The arrangement brings out elements of the internal struggle, before the writer reaffirms his faith in the repeated refrain "It is well". The band produces a good sustained sound, with the basses being impressive, particularly leading into the chorus. Crescendos and changes in dynamic generally come across well, although the sound has a tendency to become strident in the climaxes.

The set test piece for the A bands was Philip Sparke's "Harmony Music". It certainly presents the players with plenty of challenges to overcome, both in the solo sections and in the tutti work. Despite the occasional slip, such as in the exposed euphonium solo, the band copes fairly well with the technical aspects of the music. Once again though, there is a tendency for things to get a little frenetic and over-heated, with insecure tuning being exposed in some of the louder sections. Although it is a fine effort, there are more complete versions around elsewhere, and comparison with the rendition by Yorkshire Building Society at the 1999 Europeans for example reveals a much more lyrical and rounded performance.

South Brisbane, as well as winning the stage march, also found success in the own choice section, with Philip Wilby's "Paganini Variations". They demonstrate some very delicate playing in the quieter sections, and are quite successful at maintaining the spirit of the work, even if some of the runs are not without slips and untidiness. On a first hearing the trombone seemed a little too aggressive, but that was not so apparent when listening to it again. A performance then with many good points, if by no means the best available on disc.

The first wind band contribution is from the City of Sydney Wind Ensemble", who won the concert band hymn playing a setting of "Amazing Grace". The arrangement seems a little too extended for the material, but makes for an interesting comparison with band versions such as that by Bill Himes.
Tuning discrepancies are once more apparent, particularly when the alto saxophone shares the melody.

The "Valdres" march is very familiar to brass bands, and it is heard hear in an arrangement by Schissel, winning the stage band section for the Public Schools Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The arrangement contains many additional embellishments, with prominent counter melodies and exuberant playing from the percussion section. The players certainly seem to be enjoying themselves, and that enthusiasm is passed on to the listener, making this one of the highlights of the disc.

University of Newcastle Wind Orchestra won the own choice section, and the disc includes the fourth movement from the "Symphony No 3" by James Chance. It may be that hearing this one movement on its own fails to do the work justice, but it comes across as being rather anonymous and characterless.
Although there is some good playing, it does not seem likely to set the world on fire.

There is an error in the track listing at this point, and listeners expecting to hear Wilfred Heaton's dramatic "Just as I am" may be a little taken aback to hear the somewhat calmer tones of Kenneth Downie's "Thou wilt keep him in perfect piece". This was played by Warringah and their effective reading contributed to their victory in the B Grade competition. The sections of the band blend well together, with the careful dovetailing of entries producing a fine balanced sound.

Osaka Harmony Brass were the first Japanese band to compete in the Australian championships, and their performance of William Rimmer's "The Cossack" is preserved here for posterity. It won them second place in the stage march section, and contributed to their creditable sixth place overall. They produce a firm controlled sound, perhaps straighter than some, particularly in the top half of the band, with a sensitive approach to dynamics and attack with some tight ensemble work.

There may be those who will wish to purchase this recording as a memento of a competition that they were able to attend. There may also be those who would wish to hear how bands on the other side of the world are faring at present, and they will be able to do that, given the reservations made previously about the acoustics. As to whether the combining of brass and wind is a good thing no doubt opinions will vary: it may be that followers of brass bands would have preferred a couple more performances from the brass championship, although the wind items are quite acceptable in their own right. For listeners predominantly seeking recordings of the two major test pieces, they would probably be better advised to look elsewhere.

Peter Bale
Copyright 4BR

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