This excellent release from Virtuosi GUS is one of both collective celebration and acknowledgement to one of their great musical inspirations.
The celebration comes with the marking of the band’s 80th anniversary (under a variety of names although always affectionately known as GUS) whilst the recording is also something of a thank you to MD, John Berryman.
Debt of gratitude
His association stretches back well over 50 years, both a distinguished cornet player and fine conductor, but as an admirably modest man (the very best of musicians invariably are) he has selected music which acknowledges the debt of gratitude the band owes other former greats.
This certainly gives the release an added sense of purpose and enjoyment and makes for a thoroughly engaging hour of high quality music making.
Pulsating
The release opens with a pulsating arrangement by Mark Freeh of the popular 'Toccata & Fugue in D Minor', whilst Peter Collins and James Fountain shine on trumpet in John Iveson's arrangement of 'Jealousy' - which has just the right hint of acidic spark.
Karl Jenkins' 'Cantus Lacrimosus' is an absolute joy on the ear, and makes for a clever contrast with the themes from 'Silverado' played with vibrancy and dynamic contrast.
Great Groom
Handel's 'The Harmonious Blacksmith' was arranged by the band's former conductor, Keith Wilkinson for the great Trevor Groom, who graced the principal euphonium seat and delighted audiences all over the banding world for many years.
The current incumbent Mark Giles, certainly enjoys himself in his tribute performance, whilst so does young flugel star, Thomas Fountain in William Himes' 'Ballad' from 'Concertino for Flugel Horn' - played with relaxed ease and stylistic nuance. The piece is also enhanced by some splendid trombone playing from Chris Jeans.
Evocative
Andrew Baker's portrayal of winter over the Yorkshire moors is evocatively brought to life in 'And the Winter Moon Rises', whilst there is real fire-cracking sparkle to the 'Galop' from 'Masquerade Suite' by Khachaturian.
The substantial pieces on display pay homage to two of the band's finest contest victories.
Blackfriars and Contest Music
Under Harry Mortimer, the then Munn & Feltons won the 1955 National title on 'Blackfriars' by Eric Cundell arranged by Frank Wright.
In what is a rare performance of the work, John Berryman's interpretation is a timely reminder that this is music that still would test bands today.
To close, ‘Contest Music’ - which gave the band under Bramwell Tovey’s baton, its last major contest success at the 1988 British Open.
John Berryman was resident conductor at the time and 21 years later he led the band back to the British Open on the same piece at the Grand Shield.
This is a very fine performance too - capturing the pointed, bubbling sense of anxiety in the opening ‘Allegro’ through a wonderfully austere ‘Molto Adagio’ central section and a pulsating ‘Vivo’.
It rounds off a recording that marks 80 years of history and the tenure of an outstanding conductor in excellent style.
Malcolm Wood
Contents
1. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, J. S. Bach, arr. Mark Freeh, 8.36
2. Jealousy, Jacob Gade, arr. John Iveson, Peter Collins and James Fountain (Trumpets), 4.38
3. Cantus Lacrimosus, Karl Jenkins, arr. Andrew Wainwright, 3.55
4. Themes from Silverado, Bruce Broughton, arr. Gareth Green, 4.19
5. The Harmonious Blacksmith, George Friderick Handel, arr. Keith Wilkinson, Mark Giles (Euphonium), 5.03
6. And the Winter Moon Rises, Andrew Baker, 4.03
7. Blackfriars, Eric Cundell, arr. Frank Wright, 11.17
8. Galop from Masquerade Suite, Aram Khachaturian, arr. Andrew Wainwright, 2.50
9. Ballad from Concertino for Flugel Horn, William Himes, Thomas Fountain (Flugel Horn), 5.15
Contest Music, Wilfred Heaton
10. I. Allegro, 4.13
11. II. Molto adagio, 5.24
12. III. Vivo, 4.53
