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CD Review: Neglected Treasures

Cory Band
Conductor: Philip Harper
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD355

Neglected Treasures

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)



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

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