Neglect, according to dictionary definitions, is to treat someone or something carelessly, or to omit or disregard. 

Personal tastes aside, that has certainly been the case with the four works gloriously returned to the limelight on this CD recorded by Cory in mid 2015 and released in 2016.

Fresh and unsullied

Heaton’s ‘Partita for Band’ was old in conception yet startlingly new in creation in 1947. Nothing is misplaced or wasted in its Waltonesque feel - a lean, intellectually stimulating work that remains fresh and unsullied from the shattering opening chord and the quirky rhythmic pulses of the ‘scherzo’, to the aching beauty of the ‘canzona’ and the chillingly magnificent climax.

Virtuosic panache

In contrast, Howarth’s ‘Fireworks’ has not aged as well - even when delivered with such virtuosic panache. 

The enjoyment of exploration remains, but even with narration (loquaciously undertaken here), which is such an integral part of its construct, the passage of time (and exponential leaps in technique since 1975) has seen it become a diverting concert amusement - although the fugue and finale, started by a tip-toeing soprano, remains a thing of glory.

Ephemeral delicacy

In contrast, Hans Werner Henze’s ‘Ragtimes and Habaneras’ has been criminally shunned since it was premiered over 40 years ago. 

It has a light, ephemeral delicacy of compositional touch; tempting and engrossing, sly in its dry, but knowing wit - a nod to Kurt Weil in its jostling, contrasting elements of early American rag and sultry Cuban dance.  Its rarity of performance has only enhanced its reputation - deservedly so when played with such appreciation.

No self-doubt

Lastly, Vinter’s ‘Symphony of Marches’ - perhaps the composer’s most strikingly confident work for the medium - and as a result, one that also took far too long to be fully appreciated.  

There is no sense of self-doubt or acquiescence that seeped into some of his later output (written in 1963, it was his second major composition following ‘Salute to Youth’) - and neither is there here with Cory’s vibrant performance, which superbly captures the music’s vivid contrasts.    

Steve Jack

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

1-3. Symphony of Marches (Gilbert Vinter)
4-7. Partita for Band (Wilfred Heaton)
8. Ragtimes and Habaneras (Hans Werner Henze)
9. Fireworks (Elgar Howarth)