The Band of the Welsh Guards certainly entertained with their programme of stage and screen music, for what was to be Major Barringer's last concert with the band.
They opened in striking fashion with Emerson, Lake and Palmer's take on 'Fanfare for the Common Man'; the up-tempo section generating considerable excitement which carried on into the 'Overture to the Marriage of Figaro' – led with authority and style by the playing of the principal clarinet.
Slap that Bass
Msn James Lawlor, a recent graduate from the RWAMD, presented a beautiful rendition of 'Ave Maria' on flugel, which was followed by music from 'My Fair Lady', including such favourites as 'The Rain in Spain', 'I Could Have Danced all Night' and 'The Ascot Gavotte'.
L/Cpl Andee Birkett had been busy during the week playing with several of the jazz groups in the afternoon sessions, and was featured on string bass and vocals in the Gershwin classic 'Slap that Bass'.
A change of mood followed with 'Dartmoor 1912' from the film 'War Horse'; a solo flute helping to set the pastoral scene, whilst further contrasts ensued as the half closed with music from 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
L/Cpl Andee Birkett had been busy during the week playing with several of the jazz groups in the afternoon sessions, and was featured on string bass and vocals in the Gershwin classic 'Slap that Bass'.
Star Wars
'Gonna Fly Now' introduced the exciting atmosphere of Sylvester Stallone in best ‘Rocky’ mode, before Sgt Andy Lightfoot took the lead in 'Live and Let Die'. John Williams. 'Scherzo for X Wings' brought things up to date, but also quoted themes from the earlier ‘Star Wars’ films.
Tom Davoren had previously worked on a commission for the band that was premiered on St David's Day, but here supplied a short work,'Rising Remixed’, a net take on the 'Rising of the Lark', the Regimental quick march. It was well worth hearing twice as it was repeated as the encore to the concert.
The exciting music from 'The Incredibles' preceded the more sedate 'Bioluminescence of the Night' from 'Avatar'. The band then pulled out all the stops for 'Finlandia', featured in the film 'Die Hard 2' to round off a thoroughly enjoyable concert.
Peter Bale
