The people of Tredegar have a fundamental appreciation of what it takes to become peerless.

And that was certainly a collective opinion reinforced by this superlative recital by David Childs, in what is hoped to be the first in a series featuring world class musicians and artists at a venue that has played host to its fair share of impressive performers in its time.

Attentive listening

The greatest of them all, Anuerin Bevan, would have been hard pressed to have kept his audience so wrapped in attentive listening for a full hour and a half, as the euphonium virtuoso showcased the full panoply of his staggering talents. 

Bevan would also have appreciated just how hard it is in this town to receive such a prolonged standing ovation for a solo performance too.

Even the famous Lambda bronze bust of the founder of the National Health Service that sits proudly in the room, wore a smile of appreciation.

Outstanding accompanist

Aided by an outstanding accompanist in Chris Williams, the recital was a display of immense musicality – from the opening ‘Valflickansdans’ and two movements of the Karl Jenkins ‘Euphonium Concerto’, through to the closing lollipop finishers of ‘Carnival of Venice’ and ‘Hot Canary’ - all played without music and each introduced by an artist with an engaging warmth of personality.

Flawless

The intimate surroundings also enabled the cognoscenti to hear at close hand his flawless technique – something which in large concert halls is submerged by heavy brass band accompaniment:

It was like peering into the workings of a Rolex watch.

Nothing artificial and no recourse to trickery, the likes of ‘Brillante’, ‘Czardas’, ‘The Juggler’ from the Karl Jenkins 'Euphonium Concerto' and the Hummel ‘Fantasy’, were displays of elegant technical refinement. 

Contrast

In contrast, ‘Myfanwy’, ‘Machushla’ and the Jenkins ‘Romance’ were played with a deep seated musical maturity – even the simplest of lines defined with the type of delicate care that comes naturally only to the finest world class performers.

Bonus

The added bonus though was the intuitive bond of understanding between the soloist and accompanist – a playful, generosity of spirit that gave Chris Williams free reign to balance, colour, embellish and contrast with the solo voice. 

His accompaniment to ‘Endearing Young Charms’ in particular, very nearly upstaged the soloist himself; much to their own, and the audiences delight. He is some performer in his own right.

With items from Paul Lovatt-Cooper and Stanford to add to the wide ranging mix, the celebratory evening came to end with Lorraine Childs presenting the gold embossed winner’s score of Tredegar Band’s 1973 Second Section National Championship triumph back to the band for display.

It was another happy memory to cherish on a night that will not be forgotten in these parts for some considerable time to come.

Iwan Fox