The appearance of Cory at this festival over the years has invariably been a musical highlight - and with the National Championship trophy glistening in front of them, the Welsh outfit once again left an audience with yet another reminder of why the accolades keep being bestowed on them.

Homage

Their homage to the late John McCabe opened the programme, courtesy of the all too rarely heard 'Images'.

In one movement of contrasting sections, it is a work of very personal interpretation - from the approach of the MD to that of the players and listeners alike. Abstract in colour and structure, it nevertheless engages the senses with its textures and flow; never once leaving you bemused or lacking the understanding of its creation.  It was given a performance of considerable appreciation.

Taut

Philip Harper admitted that he wrote his 'Cornet Concerto' in his younger days - remaining on the shelf until Tom Hutchinson decided to play it.  The MD also admitted that it has since benefitted from mature reflection and reprise on his part - the end result being a taut work of transparent virtuosity, with its youthful excesses reined-in to give the soloist ample opportunity to showcase style as well as substance.

It was enjoyable stuff - although the accompaniment (which was a problem with nearly every soloist over the entire weekend) still seemed a little heavy and overbearing in the lively acoustic.  
 
Dylan Thomas

Hilary Tann, 2015 Ty-Cerdd ‘Composer in Residence’ wrote 'All the Moon Long' inspired by five lines from the Dylan Thomas poem, 'Fernhill'. The evocative washes of shingle and mist; dark, subtle and mysterious, were beautifully portrayed by a perfectly balanced ensemble - the percussion adding finely honed texture at just the right moment in time. 

Hopefully, it will not be too long before we hear more works from the composer. 

Papal Bull

Thankfully the compositional output of Alexander Comitas, who came to prominence with 'Vitae Aeterna Variations' at the 2012 European Championship has been heard again - this time with his much more filmatic 'Audita Tremendi'.
 
Inspired by a papal bull issued by Pope Gregory VIII in 1187 in response to the defeat at the Battle of Hattin (between the Crusaders and Saladin), in what is now modern day Israel. The challenging subject matter (a clear metaphorical musical link to the troubles in the region to this day) brought visceral drama and excitement to the fore - right up to its breathless conclusion.

Timely reminder

To close an exhausting programme, a by no means flawless, 'A Moorside Suite'. It was a timely reminder that despite its age, it remains one of the sternest tests for any brass band - even one as fine as that ranked number 1 in the world.

The two lollipop encores of 'Calon Lan' and 'William Tell', were somewhat unnecessary, but gave the audience a sugar boost on which to depart.  

Malcolm Wood