2005 RNCM Festival of Brass - Part 3 of 7

Buy As You View Band
Saturday 22nd January

Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs
Soloist: David Childs
RNCM

The Buy As You View Band have lifted their performances on the contest and concert stage in recent times to such an extent, that it is a disappointment if that level of excellence isn't always maintained.  This concert though was a model of consistency and bore the hallmarks of the standards they have shown in the past year at The European, The Open and the Brass Band Festival in London on the eve of the Nationals.

Dvorak's overture ‘Carnival' was just fabulous stuff.  The clarity of sound, wonderful ensemble playing, tempos - they were all right on the button, and it brought a magical and stunning start to the concert. David Childs was the pick of the soloists of the 2004 Festival and he did it again in 2005 with Howarth's Euphonium Concerto, ‘Stories of Saroyan'.  The twenty-five minutes just flew buy as this artiste had the audience in the palm of his hand.  The work is in eight sections with a coda and is a demanding work, but David made it sound (and look) so simple.  The band should also be acknowledged for their terrific accompaniment that never detracted away from the soloist. 

The original plan in the Festival was for BAYV to feature John Pickard's work ‘Tsunami'.  In light of recent events in Asia, this was shelved, but those in attendance at the Cheltenham Festival (10th July) will be able to hear the work as part of the full cycle of pieces lasting sixty-two minutes. 

Instead of ‘Tsunami' the band performed a dignified interpretation of Ball's ‘Resurgam', and quite honestly, you could have heard a pin drop, such was the intensity of the audience appreciation.  From the beginning the emotional build up through the sublime middle section, which then climaxed with the subdued reverential ending was sheer poetry and a wonderful tribute to the victims that concluded with a minute's silence.

‘Downland Suite' was another example of artistry from the band, and one that showed that they are not all about power and technique.  The musical lines just flowed with ease, and mention must be given to Ian Williams on Principal Cornet who was in fine form.

Gregson's ‘Of Men and Mountains' is a colossal work for band and received a wonderful rendition for the band's finale.  BAYV clearly enjoyed the work whilst the MD got right inside the score to produce some fine musical pictures.  All of the principals were on top form as well, and the percussion section deserves special praise for their part in an exhilarating final section. In complete contrast, the band performed Heaton's march ‘Praise' to conclude what was (at that point) the best concert of the weekend so far.

Malcolm Wood

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