*
banner

CD review: Aldbourne Rejoicing

Conductors: Glyn Williams, Ivan Meylemans
Soloists: Richard Hughes, Cerys Mair Hughes, Hayley Beynon, Robert Marsh, Danny Jones
World of Sound Recordings: WOS172


There has been a great deal for the Aldbourne Band to rejoice about in recent years.

In 2022 the Wiltshire band claimed a second West of England top-flight Area title (their first was in 1981), as well as securing a podium finish at the British Open. Further endorsements of their elite level credentials have been heard at the National Finals (a third appearance in four years in 2023) with a Brass in Concert debut later this year.

They have come a long way since their formation around 1861, with their musical progress backed by the indefatigable (and successful) support of a legion of ‘Friends’ who raised the funds for this celebration recording aimed very much at future concert audiences.

Caught the ears

It is entirely appropriate then that their historic British Open performance of ‘The World Rejoicing’  under Ivan Meylemans closes the release – and a fine reminder it is too of an interpretation of notable stylistic subtlety and assuredness that caught the ears of the judges on the day.

It is entirely appropriate then that their historic British Open performance of ‘The World Rejoicing’  under Ivan Meylemans closes the release – and a fine reminder it is too of an interpretation of notable stylistic subtlety and assuredness that caught the ears of the judges on the day.

Elsewhere a confident band under Glyn Willaims is on fine form on a host of easy listening concert favourites (recorded with the right touch of resonance at their local Memorial Hall) with a spectrum of styles and genres from the sprightly opening ‘Candide’  overture to the finale from Philip Harper’s Tintin inspired ‘Explorers on the Moon’.

Fizz and excitement

There is a cartoon fizz to ‘The Incredibles’  and Saturday morning pictures excitement from the pen of John Williams with ‘Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra’  and ‘The Cowboys Overture’.  ‘Elephant Patrol’  and ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’  are nimbly delivered. 

The quintet of soloists showcase their control and cultured musicality: ‘Pater Noster’  is tenderly shaped by Richard Hughes while Danny Jones gives ‘Shylock’  a characterful polka outing. 

The quintet of soloists showcase their control and cultured musicality:

Robert Marsh and Hayley Beynon offer stylish focus on the classics of ‘All I Ask of You’  and ‘One Day in Your Life’  respectively. Cerys Mair Hughes is the pick though - giving ‘Misty’  a lovely sense of liquidity. 

As a CD to showcase quality there is nothing too taxing or demanding, but this type of polished quality deserves to gain yet more concert friends as well as contest accolades in the future.

Iwan Fox


To purchase:  http://www.aldbourneband.org.uk/v2/category/cd/

Play list

1. Overture to Candide (Bernstein arr. Snell)
2. Pater Noster (Lundberg)
Soloist: Richard Hughes

3. The Incredibles (Giacchino arr. Harper)
4. Misty (Burke/Garner arr. Barry)
Soloist: Cerys Mair Hughes

5. The Cowboys Overture (Williams arr. Sykes)
6. One Day in Your Life (Armand/Brown arr. Barry)
Soloist: Hayley Beynon

7. Let’s Face the Music and Dance (Berlin arr. Richards)
8. All I Ask of You (Lloyd Webber arr. Mowat)
Soloist: Robert Marsh

9. Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra (Williams arr. van der Woude)
10. Elephant Patrol (Harper)
11. Shylock - Polka Brilliante (Lear arr. Griffiths)
Soloist: Danny Jones

12. Explorers on the Moon: Final movement – The Journey Home (Raphael)
13. The World Rejoicing (Symphonic Variations on a Lutheran Chorale) (Gregson)

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    



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


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band

July 13 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a SECOND HORN. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd