For their third St George's Day concert, the Band of the Coldstream Guards joined with the Grenadiers, boosting the woodwind substantially, but not over-expanding the brass section. 

Following the Gordon Jacobs setting of the 'National Anthem', actor Mark Knightley played Henry V to introduce Walton's setting of 'Agincourt Song'. At this point a six-man fanfare team appeared on the balcony, begging the question why they had not also been used for the opening fanfare?

Wind band classic

Percy Grainger's 'Lincolnshire Posy' is one of the staples of the wind band repertoire, and the band played two movements: 'Horkstow Grange' and 'The Lost Lady Found'. The various timbres of the band were shown off to good effect, especially the impressive French horn section.

Par excellence

Philip Cobb's first contribution was 'Bride of the Waves' - in a consummate reading encompassing smooth melodic lines and crisp triple-tonguing. There were a few moments of uncertainty between soloist and band but it was an impressive performance with a thrilling finish.

'Fantasia on Greensleeves' was presented in a luminous arrangement that featured Rachel Smith on flute, and the woodwind section, with a keyboard making a passable substitute for the harp of the original. More English music followed as Suzanne Dymott sang 'Dido's Lament', accompanied by lower brass, keyboard and double bass, allowing her clear vocal tones to be heard clearly.

Rousing finale

The children of the Commonweath Choir joined the band to sing 'The Commonweath Song 2016', written by Simon Haw, before the first half ended with a new arrangement of 'Jupiter'; quite lightly scored in places, with the oboe and cor anglais prominent at times. 

There was a touch of humour to open the second half as a contest took place between two eighteenth century bands - supposedly double-booked for an engagement. With natural horns and trumpets, sackbutt and serpent on display, together with an imposing jingling johnny, it was fun, but possibly went on for a bit too long.

Memories 

'Wipers March' was preceded by a hunting call played on a horn taken into battle by one of the officers involved who was awarded the Victoria Cross. A 1926 recording of the march was then played, with the present band taking up the second section.

1960's nostalgia followed with 'Echoes of an Era', incorporating many of the groups best known melodies, and featuring various soloists.

Beautiful flugel sound

Philip Cobb returned with a solo specially written by Andrew Pearce for his new recording. 

Beautifully played on flugel it was wistful and reflective, and followed it with an encore of 'Virtuosity', a piece that he seems to re-interpret every time he plays it. On this occasion, the usual top F was followed by moving up a couple of notches to finish on a thrilling A.

Patriotic conclusion

Suzanne Dymott sang Parry's 'Jerusalem', with the audience itching to join in. 

Their chance came however with extracts from 'Fantasia on British Sea Songs', before the euphonium soloist stepped forward to play 'The Saucy Arethusa'. Suzanne sang, 'There's no place like home' before the period band presented 'Thine Be The Glory'.

The audience then came into their own, joining in enthusiastically with 'Rule Britannia' and 'Land of Hope and Glory'.

Thus ended an enjoyable evening, if a little on the long side, with Christopher Biggins in his element as a most affable compere.

Peter Bale