*
banner

CD review: Diadem of Gold

The Oldham Band (Lees)
Conductor: John Collins
WOS CD 144



2018 was certainly a memorable year for the Oldham Band (Lees).  

Five wins from six contests, plus a bonus pay day on the Whit Friday circuit was some achievement, but more so as it also encompassed a ‘Triple Crown’ of North West Regional Championship, Senior Cup and National Final victories.

Triple Crown

This CD is a fine way to commemorate those successes under MD, John Collins; the triptych of test-pieces played at the Area, Spring Festival and Cheltenham added to with Philip Sparke’s ‘Dances & Alleluias’ which rounded off the year with victory at the Rochdale contest, as well as their Whit Friday march, ‘The Wizard’ (repeated as a ‘live’ a bonus track) and the hymn tune ‘Abide with Me’.

As was shown on those contest stages, confidence bubbles through the veins of the ensemble; ‘Brass Metamorphosis’ (the Area set-work) boldly delivered in each of its five variant forms. It’s playing that has a muscular vibrancy.

The classic constraints of ‘Diadem of Gold’ are adhered to without losing passion or drama - helped by the high class solo work in the soprano and cornet and a flowing momentum, but it’s their rendition of ‘King Arthur - Scenes from a Radio Drama’ that impresses most.

A work of considerable complexity, the MDs clarity of musical thought shines through (as it did in Cheltenham) bringing certainty, excitement and a touching core of melancholy to bear. It’s a super performance.

A work of considerable complexity, the MDs clarity of musical thought shines through (as it did in Cheltenham) bringing certainty, excitement and a touching core of melancholy to bear. It’s a super performance.

Shine

‘Dances & Alleluias’ may well be something of an ‘off the shelf’ piece of Sparke, but it’s still high quality writing. The familiar tropes are seamlessly joined together as John Collins paces the music with sensibility, allowing his players the chance to shine.

The double helping of ‘The Wizard’ and a tender ‘Abide with Me’ round off a recording that is a worthy musical memento of a year that could well provide the foundation stone on which further impressive success is built.

Iwan Fox


Playlist:

To purchase: http://www.oldhamband.co.uk/

1. Brass Metamorphosis (James Curnow)
2. Diadem of Gold (Guillaume Balay arr. Frank Wright)
3. The Wizard (George Allen)
4. King Arthur - Scenes from a Radio Play (Benjamin Britten arr. Paul Hindmarsh)
5. Abide With Me (William Henry Monk arr. Karl Jenkins)
6. Dances & Alleluias (Philip Sparke)
7. 2018 Whit Friday ‘Live’

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    



Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd