Over a century since the Australian composer Percy Code started writing for the brass band medium, thanks to the doctoral research of Matthew van Emmerik, his solo works have been presented on an eagerly awaited CD release.
‘Preserving Code’ displays his compositions in chronological order, with the exception of ‘At Dawn’ (1925) and ‘At Sunset’ (1925), which act as appropriate framing bookends for a release of both historical significance and artistic substance.
Sympathetic and faithful
The soloist is a sympathetic and faithful interpreter; sensitively shaping his performances with delightful tonality and stylish nuance, aided by excellent accompaniment - the earliest pieces, ‘Wendouree’ (1919), ‘Miranda’ (1920), and ‘Neath Austral Skies’ (1921) providing charming contrasts, executed with tastefully gauged character - from romance to bravura brilliance.
His most famous solo ‘Zelda’ (1923) still retains its capricious, waspish delicacy, although ‘Zanette’ (1925) and ‘Lucille’ (1927) which followed fade somewhat in comparative originality.
The touching simplicity to the opening reverie, ‘At Dawn’ and closing serenade ‘At Sunset’, are also very much of their time - the type of musical hall commemorative pieces Code would have been all too familiar with during his early playing career.
It is however interesting to note the development of his compositional style: ‘Valse Caprice’ (1933) and ‘Prelude de Concert’ (1934), are much more technically sophisticated, almost preludes in themselves to a new age of virtuosic adventure.
Jessica Buzbee provides a fine rendition of ‘The Emperor’ (1929) - a rare trombone solo for early 20th century Australian brass band audiences, whilst pianist Peter Baker features on Code’s most famous march, ‘On Manly Shore’ as a bonus track - delivered with a perfect degree of bombastic energy.
The soloist is a sympathetic and faithful interpreter; sensitively shaping his performances with delightful tonality and stylish nuance, aided by excellent accompaniment - the earliest pieces, ‘Wendouree’ (1919), ‘Miranda’ (1920), and ‘Neath Austral Skies’ (1921) providing charming contrasts, executed with tastefully gauged character - from romance to bravura brilliance.
Rewarding
It closes a rewarding listening experience, enhanced by thorough academic research and priceless family insight in the excellent sleeve notes.
The project also includes a separately available book which includes all the solos from this release and recordings of the piano accompaniments, offering performers the ability to play along with the tracks.
As a result, Dr Matthew van Emmerik has provided a wonderful homage to a remarkable musician.
Thomas Dunne
To Purchase: https://matthewvanemmerik.com/cds-for-sale/
Playlist:
1. At Dawn
2. Wendouree
3. Miranda
4. Neath Austral Skies
5. Zelda
6. Zanette
7. Lucille
8. The Emperor
9. Valse Caprice
10. Prelude De Concert
11. At Sunset
