*
banner

CD review: Bolero

Brighouse & Rastrick
Concert Series Vol. 1
Conductor: Dr David Thornton
Soloist: Kathleen Gaspoz, Sheona White, Philippe Schwartz
Doyen Recordings: CD DOY CD381

Bolero

These are interesting musical times at Brighouse & Rastrick. 

Prof David King continues to instil a sense of title winning adventure on the contest stage, whilst the appointment of David Thornton as MD has given stimulating impetus to their concert repertoire: They are an invigorating band to hear in action. 

That’s shown with this release; one that although featuring just one original composition, still retains a defined sense of crisp freshness to complement the familiar substance. 

Masterful scoring

It’s helped by the choice and quality of the music making, and especially by the arrangements themselves: Howard Snell’s masterful scoring of ensemble balance and texture in Bach’s ‘Passacaglia in C Minor’ is mirrored by the sinuous dance movements evoked in the playing on Ravel’s iconic ‘Bolero’. 

There is fitting imperial bombast to Wagner’s ‘The Entry of the King’, and a sultry atmosphere to Gordon Langford’s expertly segued ‘Carmen’ highlights that has the persuasiveness of a ripe Cohiba on the lips. ‘The Long Day Closes’ never wallows in its sensitive sentimentality. 

A trio of soloists are first class; Kathleen Gaspoz displays a melancholic sensuality with Piazzolla’s ‘Oblivion’ and Sheona White a cultured elegance with ‘Ave Maria’. Philippe Schwartz is admirably diabolical with his virtuosic interplay on ‘Devil’s Duel’.

A trio of soloists are first class; Kathleen Gaspoz displays a melancholic sensuality with Piazzolla’s ‘Oblivion’ and Sheona White a cultured elegance with ‘Ave Maria’. Philippe Schwartz is admirably diabolical with his virtuosic interplay on ‘Devil’s Duel’.  

Superb adaptation

The pick however is Paul Hindmarsh’s superb adaptation of Walton’s, ‘A Wartime Sketchbook’; six miniature portraits of character so redolent of time and place that it could have been conducted by Churchill with a baton instead of a cigar in his hand. 

The undefeatable communal spirit of the ‘Prologue’ followed by a sprightly ‘Bicycle Ride’ leads into a haunting snapshot of departing ‘Refugees’ and the carefree sense of immortality of the Luftwaffe’s ‘Young Seigfrieds’. The tenderness of ‘The Lovers’ has a noble affection before the closing ‘Epilogue’ draws things to a triumphant close - signalling the long awaited victory and future optimism.

With playing of this character and quality these are sentiments also shared by many fans of the current band from West Riding.

Iwan Fox 


To purchase: http://www.worldofbrass.com/cds/british-bands/brighouse-rastrick-band/100159-group.html

Play list:

1. The Entry of the King (Wagner arr. Bertrand Moren)
2. Passacaglia in C Minor (J.S. Bach arr. Howard Snell)
3. Oblivion (Piazzolla arr. Rick Mizell)
Soloist: Kathleen Gaspoz
4. A Wartime Sketchbook (Walton arr. Paul Hindmarsh)
i. Prologue
ii. Bicycle Chase
iii. Refugees
iv. Scherzo: Young Seigfrieds
v. Romance: The Lovers
vi. Epilogue
10. Ave Maria (Gounod arr. Andrew Baker)
Soloist: Sheona White
11. A Carmen Fantasy (Bizet arr. Gordon Langford)
12. The Long Day Closes (Sullivan arr. Eric Ball)
13. Devil's Duel (Peter Meechan)
Soloist: Philippe Schwartz
14. Bolero (Ravel arr. Howard Snell)

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd