The recent major brass band compositions of Edward Gregson are amongst the most significant of his long and versatile career.

‘Rococo Variations’, ‘Of Distant Memories’ (Music in an Olden Style), and especially, ‘Symphony in Two Movements’ form a deeply personal, mature canon of intellectual musicality.

Dickensian brilliance

The adroit craftsmanship is formidable; forensically detailed and unequivocal in construction, yet embodied by a lucid sense of characterisation that is almost Dickensian in its brilliance.  

The strands of inspiration link towards the past, yet the musical outlook is one that moves resolutely forward.

Allusions and ciphers

That is certainly heard in ‘Of Distant Memories’, which pays homage, without ever resorting to pastiche, to the glories of the so called ‘Golden Age’ of brass band repertoire. 

The ‘distant memories’ are just that - allusions and ciphers of acknowledgment written with a generosity of transparent spirit; a nostalgic rhetoric that in turn explores modern avenues of lyrical inspiration.  

It is a composition that lifts the tonal heart, especially when delivered through an interpretation of such considered expression by Dr Nicholas Childs.  

Direct tribute

Meanwhile, a more direct personal tribute is paid in ‘Rococo Variations’.  

The compositional motifs of Ball, McCabe, Steadman-Allen, Howarth, Heaton and Wilby are readily identifiable, but it is the way in which they are subtly woven into the counter balancing architecture of a series of variations that makes it the complete sum of its parts. 

The added flourish of a truly demonic fugue adds a wonderfully stylistic cupola of brilliance. 

Unfortunately, the performance itself comes from an earlier 2009 recording, and despite its excellence, sits a little uneasily as a musical reference point amid the immediacy of its surroundings: It does sound like a very different band is performing it.

Commanding lead

The brass band version of Gregson’s 1979 ‘Trombone Concerto’ sees Brett Baker as a commanding lead in a work expertly reconfigured in its new form.

Each movement is a masterful example of compact virtuosity - at various times dramatic, languid and jaunty – all brought together with a climax of resolute finality. 

Crowning glory

There is no denying the crowning glory of ‘Symphony in Two Movements’ (although written before ‘Distant Memories’) - a work that is the culmination of all that has gone before in his brass band compositional career. 

The refined writing is constructed with such fundamental rigour that the abstract strands of artistic nuance are seemingly made of symphonic steel.

The chameleon like ‘Toccata’, disguised in four variants on a thematic cell leads into a glorious exploration of a further quartet of ‘Variations’, ending in unshakable glory. 

It is a seminal work for brass band, performed gloriously by Black Dyke under Dr Nicholas Childs.

Engaging

Paul Hindmarsh’s excellent sleeve notes also add extra depth and understanding to the extended conversation with the composer - one in which he reveals himself to be a deeply thoughtful and engaging interviewee.

One of the great compositional brass band voices of the last 40 years or more has been admirably served with this outstanding recording. 

Iwan Fox

Contents

1. Of Distant Memories (Music in an Olden Style), Edward Gregson, Black Dyke Band, 15.17
Trombone Concerto, Edward Gregson, Brett Baker (Trombone)
2. I. Lento tranquillo, 6.17
3. II. Andante cantabile, 5.04
4. III. Allegro, 4.12
5. Rococo Variations, Edward Gregson, 16.45
6. In conversation, Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh, 12.06
Symphony in two movements, Edward Gregson
7. I. Toccata, 5.29
8. II. Variations, 13.24