The Great Northern Brass Arts Festival concluded with a thoroughly enjoyable concert from Foden's and Black Dyke.

It was the National champion who commenced the entertainment under Michael Fowles as they blew away any post-Open blues in considerable style.

Fizzed

Foden's certainly fizzed during a freewheeling 'Le Carnival Romain', with the impressive ensemble balancing  top draw euphonium playing in the famous solo feature from birthday boy, Glyn Williams.

A new take on 'Love Divine' was full of restraint and control, before the band launched into four pieces from the composer- in residence, Andy Scott.

The combination has just launched a new CD entitled 'Spirit of Foden’s', and after these riveting performances, it was no surprise that at the end of the first half, the audience headed for the CD stands.

Invigorating

The flamenco inspired, 'Big' was two and half minutes of invigorating colour, whilst 'And Everything is Still', featured the hauntingly lyrical sound of Lesley Poole on horn.

Whilst the evocative, 'Madiba', was a lovely contrast of style, it was a mere aperitif for the engrossing, 'Soul and Feel' from 'Molecular Cocktail Party', which was the golden moment of the entire day.

Principal trombonist and pianist John Barber set about his improvisational showcase with a relaxed aplomb – allowing the emerging musical lines to appear as if by fusion.

It is a work that reveals more about itself on each hearing – especially when played with such unmistakable élan.

Quality

The final quartet of works came with 'Stardust' originally written for Jens Lindemenn by Dr Peter Meechan, but now re-scored effectively for full band, Howard Snell's brilliant quick fire arrangement of Liszt's 'Mephisto's Dance' and Mark Landon and Anthony Mann lightening the mood with some xylophone fun on 'Liszteria'.

A reminder of the quality of their 2012 Royal Albert Hall winning performance was given with the closing 'Bacchanale' from 'Daphnes et Chloe', which rounded off an impressive Foden’s show.

Well drilled Black Dyke

After the break, Dr Robert Childs led Black Dyke through its well-drilled concert programme, with the opening 'Prelude on Tallis', notable for its clarity, balance and precision.

Mendelssohn's, 'Ruy Blas’ overture was packed to the gunnels with glorious melody as Dr Childs led the band through a breezy account of elegant refinement. 

Forgotten gem

Richard Marshall certainly enjoyed himself on 'Tico, Tico', before the MD led the band in a wonderful performance of Fibich's 'Poem' - a forgotten gem which was preceded by an engaging tale of how the MD was reminded about the piece after first playing it as a teenager with Cross Keys Silver Band conducted by his father.

'Sing, Sing, Sing', saw Dyke in relaxed big-band mood, before three movements from Karl Jenkins's 'Stabat Mater Suite’, showcased the quality of soloists Gary Curtin, Zoe Hancock, James McCabe and Sheona White.

All that was left was for Dyke to test the acoustic of the hall with the powerful march from the 'Pines of Rome', which appropriately sent a well satisfied audience on its way down Manchester’s own version of the Appian Way to their homes.

Malcolm Wood