On their first visit to Regent Hall the RNCM Brass Band presented a varied programme of original music and transcriptions. 

Directed by Senior Brass Tutor, Dr David Thornton and Alex Webb, the ensemble was very well received by the eclectic audience, many of whom were much more familiar with solo and chamber music than the sound of a brass band.

Labour and Love

That was shown with 'Labour and Love' to open: the audience warming to the blend of energy and romance, helped by excellent ensemble playing and confident, well-executed solos, led by principal cornet Lottie Groves.

Christopher Palmer compiled 'A Wartime Sketchbook' from William Walton's incidental music to a number of films produced to boost morale. Paul Hindmarsh subsequently arranged some of the music for band, and the stately 'Prologue' led to the energetic 'Bicycle Chase', with echoes of 'The First Shoot' before 'Refugees' introduced a sombre note as the unfortunates trudged towards an uncertain future. 

'Young Siegfrieds', depicting the Battle of Britain incorporated a parody of 'Siegfried's Horn Call' before the 'Epilogue', which started in lively fashion, concluded with a typically expansive melody.

Swiss excellence

Swiss student Kathleen Gaspoz, who is currently playing with Black Dyke, bought a stunning interpretation to the Shakespeare-inspired 'Fortune's Fool'. From the slow opening, accompanied by percussion and muted brass, through to the technical demands of the fast section, her control and stylistic nuance was admirable.

Powerful statement

Bramwell Tovey's 'Coventry Variations' depicts various aspects of the city, including its medieval heritage, choral singing in the cathedral and the devastating impact of the infamous Second World War blitz. 

The opening trio of cornet, flugel and bass trombone (featuring lovely playing by Daniel Thomas) set the scene, before the full band entered. Livelier music followed, with prominent tubular bells and glockenspiel, leading into a reflective passage complete with euphonium solo played from the balcony. 

The singing of the choir was brutally interrupted by the terror of the blitz - including a piercing whistle, before the work ended with a powerful statement of the original theme.

Appreciated

The programme ended with an exquisite reading of 'The Long Day Closes'. It was brass band playing at its finest, with seamless phrases bringing out the tone colours of the various sections to fine effect.

The audience left the young players in no doubt that their efforts had been appreciated (including a 5.00am departure by coach from Manchester) and it is to be hoped another visit can be arranged in due course. 

Peter Bale