A timely reminder, if ever one was needed, of the immense impact Howard Snell has had, and continues to have, on the worldwide brass band movement. 

In the mid 1970’s, it was at a crossroads; the fag end of a tired era. Snell had already experienced what musical possibilities could be explored with an all too brief association with Grimethorpe (a band also linked to another visionary muse in Elgar Howarth), but it was with his appointment as MD at Desford Colliery in 1978, and two years later at Foden’s, that fully ignited a new, gloriously inventive musical direction.

Worthy tribute

This excellent CD is a more than a worthy celebratory tribute; a selection of some of his most memorable entertainment contest arrangements, as well as perhaps the most thrilling contest performance of his tenures with both bands.  

All the ‘greatest hits’ are here; stunningly played by ensembles that also brought new levels of precision, colour, effect and excitement to bear on repertoire that had seemed beyond the scope of even the best performers a generation before.  

With them, we were introduced to the likes of Bach, Copland, Debussy, Khachaturian, Saint-Saens, Shostakovich, Sondheim, Respighi and Ravel - and many, many more. He is the man who shaped the modern musical banding era.

Benefit

Players and audiences became accustomed to the new technical and musical demands - an intellectual as well as technical process of understanding that benefited everyone. 

What was once slightly provocative and challenging has become the norm. Countless worldwide performances have yet to dull their polished veneer. They remain as fresh today as they were when first heard over 30 years ago - testament to their brilliant craftsmanship. 

It is fitting that his masterful arrangement of ‘The Pines of Rome’ and the winning performance by Foden’s from the 1992 European Championship of ‘The Year of the Dragon’ are included: Few would argue that both have ever been bettered. 

A bit like the man himself. 

Iwan Fox 

Available from: http://www.worldofbrass.com

1. Fanfare for the Common Man (Copland arr. Snell)
2. Hoe Down from Rodeo (Copland arr. Snell)
3. Girl with the Flaxen Hair (Debussy arr. Snell)
4. Lezghinka from Gayane (Khachaturian arr. Snell)
5. Pavane for a Spanish Princess of Long Ago (Ravel arr. Snell)
6. Anyone Can Whistle (Sondheim arr. Snell)
7. The Swan (Saint-Saens arr. Snell)
8. Folk Festival (Shostakovich arr. Snell)
9. Greensleeves (Traditional arr. Snell)
10. Fantasy on Moto Perpetuo (Howard Snell)
11. Arioso (Bach arr. Snell)
12 - 15. The Pines of Rome (Respighi arr. Snell)
12. The Pines of the Villa Borghese
13. The Pines close to a Catacomb
14. The Pines of the Giancarlo
15. The Pines of the Appian Way
16. Oration (Howard Snell)
17. The Year of the Dragon (Sparke)