2005 RNCM Festival of Brass - Part 4 of 7

Foden's (Richardson) Band
Saturday 22nd January

Conductor: Bramwell Tovey
Soloist: Jeff Nelson
RNCM

Twelve months ago, Bramwell Tovey conducted the Foden's (Richardson) Band in the concert of the whole weekend.  A year later, people were walking out of the hall at the end of the concert having listened to, and witnessed something quite extraordinary.

The concert will be talked about for year's to come by all those who were present.  The reason was simple - the quality of performance and the inspirational brilliance of the MD throughout the whole of the performance.  Bramwell Tovey lifted the British Open Champions to exalted heights on more than one occasion during the night, and whilst this band is always up for big engagements, even they will remember this concert for a long time.

The first piece was the World Premiere of ‘Birthday Variations for Michael'  which paid tribute to Michael Tippett through musical contributions from Paul Hindmarsh, Bramwell Tovey, Dr Michael Ball, Professor Edward Gregson, Elgar Howarth and Dr Philip Wilby. 

Contest organizers should look at this work for a major competition, as it would test the bands to the limit, as well as it lasing around twelve to fourteen minutes in length.  Throughout the work, glimpses of Tippett's works appear and reappear as all the celebrating composers work their individual magic by paying homage to the great man. 

The opening entitled ‘Processional' was very regal, whereas Tovey added ‘Danse des Amis' which was a delightful little dance.  Gregson's contribution was an extremely lyrical ‘Midsummer Song' whilst Ball's segment was very light and at time almost dainty.  Elgar Howarth on the other hand returned to the Processional theme and offered musical glimpses from the Tippett opera, ‘King Priam'.  The climax however really comes in Wilby's magnificent ‘Birthday Fugue'.  It is just typical Wilby; edge of the seat stuff, and fabulous music.

This performance came as an idea from Fodens who wanted to pay an original birthday tribute to Gregson and Howarth and the result was this composition.  All those involved deserve acknowledgement for their efforts, not least the band for pulling it off in such fine style.

Gregson's ‘Concerto for French Horn and Band' followed and featured soloist Jeff Nelson formerly of Canadian Brass.  Jeff was in fine form in the performance dedicated to the late Ifor James for whom it was originally written.  The first movement is quite serious in its style, whilst during the middle movement the balance between the horn and cornet playing was delightful. The final ‘Rondo' section brought the whole piece to a bit of a light-hearted conclusion, but overall it was a work of real substance.

The final three pieces of the night were examples of why Bramwell Tovey is revered not just in the classical world, but in banding too.  It is a real shame that we don't see more of the man in front of bands because what he brings to them is quite special. 

The body language, understanding of the various scores, his musicality practically turning pieces upside down, the fact that he (quite probably) changes things from how they were done in rehearsal to suit the mood on the occasion, and above anything else, the sense of fun and enjoyment is transmitted to the musicians and the audience. He has charisma by the bucketful.

Take ‘Ragtimes and Habaneras' for example.  Eleven short dance movements that became fascinating listening in his hands: One minute, a rhythm and a theme, the next something completely different but with the various tempo changes, the Charleston, jazz influences, Mr.Tovey inspired the band into a performance of classic proportions.

Elgar Howarth and Bram Tovey are appreciative of each other's talents and before performing the Henze piece, Bramwell Tovey paid tribute to his friend by saying that his ‘Contribution is unique and will probably never be surpassed'. He was not wrong.

These words were very much on my mind as Fodens performed Howarth's ‘In Memoriam RK' written in tribute to Rudolphe Kempe in 1976.  This performance was the defining moment of the whole festival. 
Bramwell Tovey pulled so much out of the score, and through the band the audience listened to something quite spellbinding; time just stood still.  Starting with some fine horn playing before the euphoniums and cornets come in, the effect was breathtaking.  Helen Fox on flugel was just magical and the MD lifted the band to exquisite levels during the performance before they produced a sublime quiet ending to a wonderful reading.  A few seconds silence added to the occasion.   Musical appreciation comes in many forms, but this performance will be remembered by everyone present for a long time to come.

Not content with that, McCabe's ‘Cloudcatcher Fells' was top draw as well.  For forty years, The British Open title has eluded the band and having since regained it, this group of players has performed with a real sense of freedom – made all the more special with old Gold Trophy out in front of them.

The opening horn sounds were breathtaking and a performance of real stature grew from there.  Once again some delightful flugel and soprano playing and mention must be given to Phil Green, Toby Hobson, Laurence Barton and Dean Morley – the basses, who at times during the night were quite simply immense.  The ending was just terrific and the performance has more than wetted the appetite for the International Masters in May.

As an encore, a reprise of ‘Elegy' from Ireland's Downland Suite (performed earlier by BAYV) brought the concert to an end.   To the band and Mr. Tovey - thank you for the privilege of being present at something very special indeed.

Malcolm Wood

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