Stavanger Brass Band

Brass from Baroque to Bulla
Guest Conductor: Arvid Anthun
Hetlandskirken
Stavanger, Norway
Sunday 4th March

Under the direction of guest conductor Arvid Anthun the concert got underway with Stephen Bulla‘s  "Concertante" featuring what proved to be an impressive cornet sextet (composed of Gunnar Hodne, Catherine Kaas, Richard Dines, Stine Lillesund, Lise Marthe Amundsen and Lene Revheim).  "Concertante" opens with a classic trumpet style fanfare that was delivered with clarity and power to match.  A fine start and this reviewer was delighted at the lighter more delicate sections that were dispatched with equal precision in what proved to be a very impressive performance that was warmly received by all.

Smetana's "Dance of the Comedians" followed and was taken at a lively tempo featuring, at times, the band's notable back row cornet section.  The first soloist of the evening was Elisabeth Aarrestad, on Flugel Horn, who gave an excellent performance of Caccini's "Ave Maria".  Not only was Elisabeth's recital enchanting, she played with a remarkably smooth soft velvety tone that seemed to float magically around the hall.

A performance of Horovitz's "Concertino Classico" was then presented by a cornet duet made up of the upbeat and lively pairing of Eva Botne and Torill Tynning.  This Horovitz work gave plenty for both band and duet to think about but the recital was executed with fine precision and proved to be one of the big highlights of the evening.  Both Eva and Torill showed what fine players they obviously are with consummate ease and literally had the audience captivated from start to finish.  The piece allowed them to exhibit their fine technique but it was the slower more refined sections that really allowed them to show their quality and undeniable class.  Bravo!

Arvid Anthun and the band then completely changed the ambience of hall to that of a real traditional British brass band concert with the addition of the classic "Elegy" from John Ireland's "A Downland Suite".  This was a work that allowed Arvid Anthun, and the band, to demonstrate their ability to stretch dynamic contrasts to the limit with some real classy and beautiful playing especially from the band's long standing and much respected principal cornet, Odin Hagen.

To wrap the concert up into the interval the band changed the atmosphere again.  Only this time to a real baroque feel with Handel's "Overture in D Minor".  The band expertly switching playing styles from the traditional for "Elegy" to a now orchestral baroque ensemble feel for the overture.

The second half opened with a slightly upbeat but impressive rendition of Philip Wilby's arrangement of "Thine Be the Glory" which was well received by the audience many of whom were still finishing off their coffee and what proved to be a fine selection of cakes from the interval.

It was now time for the next featured soloist, Øyvind Grong, one of the bands E-flat bass players playing Bach's "Basso Continuo".  From the first note Øyvind's ability was never in question as he exhibited some real quality and again the band accompanied with remarkable consideration for tempo and dynamics.  "Elegy" now followed only this time it was "Elegy" from Vinter's "Entertainments".  Warmly received it proved a great contrast and again Odin Hagen showed why he is so highly rated.

By this time the trombone section (Birgette Bruget, Emil Rolstad, Sølve Oftedal and Tor Ashbjørn Haga) must have been feeling a little left out so stood to play another movement from Bulla's "Concertante".  This was a piece of music that skipped and romped along allowing each member of the trombone section to shine and shine they did.  This was a real winner for the audience who appreciated the fine display of musicianship by the trombone quartet.  Judging from the smiles it was clearly a job well done.

For the finale the band chose to play the uplifting "King of Heaven" by Kenneth Downie.  The band concluded the concert with both power and a quality of sound that was simply second to none.  There was no hint of fatigue or tiredness by any of the players and the end was a magnificent dynamic climax that left the audience in no doubt of the high standard of musicianship exhibited throughout the evening. 

It was clear that every member of the audience had enjoyed their evening and the band justifiably received a standing ovation, repeated calls for an encore and prolonged applause from all.  After everyone had settled, the band wound down with the ever popular "Irish Blessing", which reverberated warmly around the hall ending what was surely a perfect evening's entertainment.

This concert proved to be a show piece for many in the band who would usually be sat within the ensemble.  Hats off to Stavanger for it proved not only that the band has strength in depth but posses a very professional attitude and players with real class to boot as none of the performances disappointed. 

Arvid Anthun, guest conductor for the evening, was entertaining and led the band with consummate ease throughout.  He was obviously delighted with the evening's work, as was the band whose confidence was clearly evident right the way through.  It was clear to see why Stavanger retained the Norwegian Championship title for the fourth time in five years and with the EBBA Championship fast approaching the band sounds in fine fettle.

Eirik Hansen

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