In this second, welcome release in the Cornet Heritage Collection, Richard Marshall produces a timely reminder of what is fast becoming the lost art of traditional cornet solo playing.
However, despite the age of the repertoire, it is not a homage dipped in musical aspic: The eleven tracks are presented with a tender freshness, to give each an engaging immediacy.
Delightful acoustic
Amid the delightful acoustic of Halifax Minster, the lead voice floats above the accompaniment with a refined sense of elegant phrasing; from timeless classics and forgotten gems to well known air varies - all played with a respectful reverence for the composition’s original provenance.
The music is certainly enhanced by the sympathetic work of Black Dyke on one of the last recordings of the Childs Brother era, whilst the excellent recording skills of Richard Scott and fascinating programme notes from iconic cornet players of generations past, Derek Garside and James Scott, add greatly to the interest and quality.
Glowing warmth
There is a lovely glowing warmth to the tasteful renditions of the century old, ‘The Sunshine of Your Smile’, ‘My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose’, ‘Catari, Catari’, ‘The Lost Chord’ and ‘The Nun’s Chorus’ - each intelligently delivered not quite with the impassioned tenor timbre of a John McCormack, but just as touching and cultured nonetheless.
Rapid fire
Meanwhile, the rapid fire polka dots of Rimmer's 'Hailstorm' and Hartmann’s ‘Facilita’ rattle like bullets from a Gatling gun and the old air-varie standards of 'My Old Kentucky Home' and ‘Wiederkehr' are dusted off with tasteful dexterity.
The reserved beauty of Weber’s ‘Last Waltz’ and the kittenish Edwardian mischief of ‘Playmates’ (with Lee Rigg in splendid twinned support) are also moulded with an air of appreciation and gracefulness.
This splendid release may well recall a musical past that is fast fading from the collective consciousness, but in doing so it also reinforces Richard Marshall’s reputation as one of the finest cornet players of this, or any other generation.
Malcolm Wood
Contents
1. Facilita, John Hartmann, 6.37
2. The Sunshine of Your Smile, Lilian Ray, arr. J Ord Hume, 3.15
3. My Old Kentucky Home, William Rimmer, 7.29
4. The Nuns' Chorus, Johann Strauss II, arr. Alan Fernie, 4.36
5. Hailstorm, William Rimmer, 7.06
6. The Lost Chord, Arthur Sullivan, arr. J Ord Hume, 4.56
7. Playmates, J A Greenwood, Soloists Richard Marshall and Lee Rigg, 4.11
8. My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Traditional arr. Gordon Langford, 4.46
9. Wiederkehr, John Hartmann, 8.49
10. Core 'ngrato (Catari, Catari), Salvatore Cardillo, arr. Howard Lorriman,5.09
11. Weber's Last Waltz, William Rimmer, arr. Hugh Parry, 10.05
