Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal) Band

Conductor: Elgar Howarth
Soloists: Susan Bickley, Michael Dodd
The Gala Theatre, Durham
Saturday 11th June

In his review of Grimethorpe's latest recording of the ‘History of Brass' series, 4BR editor, Iwan Fox describes the playing of the band led by Elgar Howarth as ‘reeking of class, and the direction from the rostrum bringing an immense amount of musical understanding to the chosen repertoire coupled with an innate sense of historical perspective to the performances themselves.'

This opening concert of the fifth Durham Brass Band Festival brought the band and conductor together once again, and as with the aforementioned recording, produced performances of historical musical repertoire that were of the very highest quality.

The latest recording (and previous Howarth CDs with Grimethorpe and Fodens) is littered with trademarks from this great conductor and once again during this concert, Mr Howarth gave all of the music so much time to develop and breathe, subsequently producing interpretations that undoubtedly would be different from a number of other leading brass band conductors.

The music on offer on the night was certainly for the connoisseur, with much of the music being complex, contemporary and most definitely challenging (this will also be the case for Reg Vardy and Brighouse who will appear in the same theatre over the next two weekends).  Last year however, Brighouse's programme didn't go down very well with the audience as they were expecting familiar B & R classics as ‘The Floral Dance' and subsequently, some walked out and complained to the press.

This was certainly not the case this time though.  The organisers have worked hard to avoid what happened last year by advertising the programmes to be performed in advance, and the sheer pulling power of Grimethorpe guaranteed a full house.

Three of the items performed (including one of the encores) had been performed by the Grimethorpe/Howarth combination at the RNCM Festival in January, (and in this reviewer's opinion) produced more rounded performances than earlier in the year.

It was a surprise to many that on the Queen's Official Birthday, ‘The National Anthem' wasn't played to commence the evening.  Alas (for those who still think this sort of thing important), the band went straight into Beethoven's ‘Piano Sonata no 15 Opus 28', arranged by the conductor setting the standard for the whole night (which for most others was much more important).  The ensemble playing throughout was of the highest order and every time the main theme reappeared it was so light in its delivery and so effective throughout.

Elgar Howarth had been contemplating writing a major work for euphonium and after some persuasion from Robert Childs, ‘Stories from Saroyan' was composed.  The music was inspired by the writings of William Saroyan that intrigued the composer in his early years and is nothing short of a ‘tour de force' for the euphonium soloist.

David Childs made all the hurdles that have to be overcome in this fascinating work sound so easy when he performed at the RNCM Festival in January with BAYV and Michael Dodd did the same here.

The soloist clearly relished the challenge of the work, which contains eight sections and a coda.  Throughout the twenty five minutes of the performance, it was gripping listening to a player who'd got right inside the music and produced a performance that was warmly, and rightly acknowledged at its conclusion.

Elgar Howarth's arrangement of Giles Farnaby's ‘Three Tudor Pieces' was over before you knew it.  All three were originally written for keyboard but skilfully arranged and this was followed for what for many of the audience, was the highlight of the night.  Soloist, Susan Bickley took to the stage to give a reprise of her performance with the ISB at the RNCM Festival in January in ‘Five English Folk Songs', captivating the audience with her delightful singing and stage presence.

After performing Delius' ‘On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring', the concert closed with the highlight of the whole evening, a performance of ‘Jazz' by Philip Wilby.

This performance was worth the admission money alone: from the opening lip glissandi leap on the euphonium from Michael Dodd, it was compelling listening all the way.

Mr Howarth and the band just excelled themselves with some outstanding playing from Ian Shires on flugel and Richard Marshall on principal cornet.  The 1920's dance style section was sublime, but the be-bop and conclusion were exemplary in the way they were approached and delivered.

Two contrasting encores were performed in Bach's ‘Little Fugue in G Minor', and local ‘March King' George Allen's ‘The Diplomat' before the conductor made a gesture indicating he was in need (never mind the band) of some refreshment and Grimethorpe had done what they constantly do - leave the audience wanting more.

Grimethorpe set the standard here for Reg Vardy and Brighouse to follow in the coming weeks and if they can match this concert, then they are in for a treat.  Tickets are still available from the Gala Theatre box office on 0191 332 4041 for these concerts.

They have one heck of a task to better this.

Malcolm Wood

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