National Youth Band of Great Britain

Conductors: Bramwell Tovey & Simon Dobson
Guest Soloist: Glyn Williams
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Bury St Edmunds
Friday 7 August

Start a debate on the future of brass bands and I’ll be in the “doom and gloom” corner. 

A changing society is part of my argument but the ability to self destruct, lack of organisation and reliance on the sport of contests come a pretty close second.

Glimmer of hope

However, place me with young people like those in the NYBB and a glimmer of hope arises. They are not tainted with history and tradition and have an open mind. Certainly they have no fears and inhibitions about the music they play and show a maturity way beyond their age.

The return of the NYBB to Suffolk was most welcome and after a week of intensive study at Framlingham College with light relief provided by quizzes, football matches and a disco the first end of course concert was in the St Edmundsbury Cathedral, resplendent with its recently completed spire.

Life skills

Not only does the course provide wonderful musical opportunities, but also helps develop other life skills – team work, respect, sharing and accepting responsibility. 

This came through to me when talking to a couple from Bradford, who were attending both the end of course concerts to support their two children in the NYBB, who also play with the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band.

Interesting

Cathedrals are notoriously dangerous venues for large brass ensembles. The fast stuff can rather rattle around a bit too much causing a loss of detail and this was the fate for parts of Simon Dobson’s interesting “The Drop – Remixed”.  His inspiration came from drum n bass and the DJs who ply their trade with umpteen record decks. It was fascinating to observe the percussionists in this, a feeling they had been let off the leash somewhat.

But I have already moved into the second half of a well thought out programme and must return to the start which was as far away from cutting edge Mr Dobson as one could imagine. 

Much loved

The evening opened with the much loved Eric Ball’s march “Star Lake” and the impact was immediate. The ensemble was tight and the sound magnificent – not a word to use lightly but amply justified here.

If I was a tad disappointed that “Masquerade” (Wilby) hadn’t made it to the final line up, it was soon dispelled by Gregson’s early “Partita”. Good music doesn’t date and this three movement early work built around the 13th century plainsong “Dies Irae” was despatched with aplomb.

Great euphonium

Glyn Williams is one of the great euphonium players of today and, as guest soloist, he had a challenging evening, first performing the John Golland “Euphonium Concerto”. 

Written towards the end of the composer’s life it is an autobiographical journey, sometimes playful, at others times whimsical and also sad. The emotional heart is the second movement which shimmered with emotion. 

Warmly received

Glyn returned in the second half for an adaptation by Bram Tovey of the second movement of his cello concerto, followed by Robert Redhead’s “Euphony”. This is a great favourite and was the most warmly received of the three solo numbers by the enthusiastic, albeit modest sized audience.

The first half concluded with Ray Steadman – Allen’s watershed composition “The Holy War”. This is all about the forces of good and evil battling it out. 

When it was first played it shocked many Salvationists, causing one of them to write to The Musician magazine to say how the experience had made him physically sick! There were no such traumas here, just a thoroughly enjoyable and committed performance with a wonderfully triumphant ending which really did do justice to the setting.

Welcome guest

A welcome guest for the evening was former MD of the NYBB, Geoffrey Brand. It turned out to be Geoffrey’s 59th wedding anniversary! In celebration, and also in recognition of the centenary of the birth of Gilbert Vinter, the cornet section, under Simon Dobson, opened the second half with an extra item, “Blazon”, the first movement of the Cantata, “The Trumpets”.
 
It was a truly magical moment in the evening and preceded, for this listener, the highlight of the concert, Wilfred Heaton’s “Contest Music”. 

Admirable lead

This is a challenge at the best of times, but half way through a concert makes it a real test, and one which these young people met and exceeded. A special mention to James Fountain, the principal cornet, who led the band admirably throughout the concert, and met the demands of the taxing second movement – as did flugel and trombone too.

Rousing finale

And to end the concert, Leon Boellmann’s most famous work for organ, his “Suite Gothique” in the arrangement for brass band by Eric Ball with the rousing finale in the shape of the 'Toccata'.

Throughout. Bram Tovey’s introductions were both informative and witty, an all important ingredient where the programme offers musical challenges to the audience as well as the players.

Walking out into the warm summer night I reflected on a very musically satisfying evening. 

It was a privilege to be there.

Tim Mutum

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