IBBSS
11-Aug-2009Conductors: Nicholas & Robert Childs
Soloists: Owen Farr, David Childs, Joseph Cook
Brangwyn Hall
Swansea
Friday 31st July
Just prior to the start of the concert that heralded the end of a week of rehearsals and master recitals, the atmosphere in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea was expectantly bright ant light-hearted, in marked contrast to the heavy rain and low cloud that had greeted the delegates to another extremely successful International Brass Band Summer School, on their short journey from Swansea University to this prestigious venue.
With 140 delegates from many parts of the world - Yes! A truly international gathering, the concert was in three sections.
Reflecting
Reflecting the York brands of brass instruments, the initial contribution was from the "Eminence Band" under the baton of Dr. Nicholas Childs. With cornets and trombones positioned on both sides of the band, the resulting antiphonal effect enhanced the bright and sparkling sounds of Paul Lovatt Cooper's- 'Walking with Heroes'.
'The Call of the Cossacks' (Peter Graham), provided contrasts in style, for the audience with the powerful rhythmic drive of the outer movements being effectively countered by the warmly phrased melody of the middle section - 'Doyle's Lament'.
The audience were impressed with the enthusiastic prowess of the young xylophonist in this performance. An evocative setting of the glorious hymn tune - 'Praise my Soul', by the late John Childs (the father of Nicholas and Robert Childs), brought this part of the concert to its close.
Additional duties as compere meant that Nicholas Childs had waxed lyrically about the respective merits of each band, totally extolling the merits of the musicians under his baton!
Immediate impact
With barely time to compare notes with others in the audience, the "Preference Band" were seated, with the rostrum now being occupied by Dr. Robert Childs.
Adopting a similar format and band formation there was an immediate impact with Paul Lovatt Cooper's - 'Enter the Galaxies'. The ensemble was vigorous with a controlled fulsome sound.
Again, in complete contrast, the reflective chords and lingering melodic lines of 'Sunrise over Blue Ridge', from the pen of the rapidly emerging composer - Dan Price was delightfully atmospheric.
Two movements from 'Sirocco' (Peter Graham) followed. The 'Romanza' featuring the pleasing pseudo sounds of mandolins, by courtesy of Bb Basses and Flugel Horns - obviously a novel experience for many of the delegates to this Summer School. The energetic final movement shattering the peace and tranquil of the restful siesta.
Spectrum
Clearly the objective of this increasingly successful Summer School is to encourage and stimulate delegates to enjoy the work that is needed to improve personal performance.
The significant challenge for this year was to study and then give a performance of Gilbert Vinter's - 'Spectrum'.
This band responded well to the tuition they had received and to the rehearsal time allocated to this fine music, with an enjoyable performance ensuing. Clearly the competitive element introduced into the dual band sessions by joint Artistic Directors-Drs. Robert and Nicholas Childs was well worthwhile.
Delegates
All the delegates joined together for the final section of the concert. Rodney Newton's march - 'Swansea Bay' (the specially composed signature march of the Summer School), is rhythmic and bright and was the curtain raiser to an enthusiastic rendition of Suppe's 'Light Cavalry' overture - a summer bandstand crowd pleaser!
The finale of the concert was Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture' (arr. Robert Childs) complete with narrator - Matthew Routley, cannons and bells- a fitting climax to a week of music making that includes listening to late evening recitals by world renowned instrumentalists that are the tutors to the various sections of the band.
Little wonder that this Summer School is such an attraction to brass enthusiasts of wide ranging ability.
Soloists
Not surprisingly, three of this clutch of soloists are selected to appear in the concert. Tonight it was the turn of the "vertical bells"-Tenor Horn, Euphonium and Eb Tuba.
Owen Farr was the first to appear on the podium, playing a superb performance of the 'Finale of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto'. The pace at which Owen plays this fiendishly difficult music in such a flawless and relaxed manner is astonishing-the music is so well shaped.
Maybe, in the near future, Owen will precede solo performances of this music with a shortened version of the slow movement of this concerto to allow audiences to savour more completely his warm emotive tonal textures.
Supreme
Euphonium supreme - David Childs then strode to the podium to play the popular Doughty Variations on the traditional melody 'Grandfather's Clock'.
As expected, this was a brilliant delivery of this well known solo played with a sense of style and purpose that would have left David's paternal grandfather John-himself a well known Euphonium player in his mid-life, applauding in amazement.
Relish
The final soloist of the trio was Joe Cook, enjoying his second visit to the Summer School as tutor, but relishing his debut as a soloist in this concert.
His choice- Rossini's 'Largo al Factotum'. Using the acoustic of the auditorium to optimum effect this was tuba playing of the highest order, complete with vocal interjections that excited the audience. On this hearing, Joe Cook has well and truly laid to rest the well worn assertion that the North East only produces high quality cornet players!
Highest level
The stage presentation of each of the soloists in their attire and the demeanour was of the highest level - a shining example to all aspiring soloists involved with brass bands. What a delight it must have been for the delegates to have the opportunity to accompany soloists of this calibre.
The concert ended in party mood, with a romp through Stephen Robert's excellent arrangement of Berlin's Putting on the Ritz, bringing down the curtain on another successful IBBSS at Swansea. Only the weather can improve for 2010!
C. Brian Buckley
