PDA

View Full Version : Fourth Section - Upper Rhondda Brass - 2008



TheMusicMan
12.05.2008, 11:46
Weston-Super-Mare – 40th Own Choice Contest - 2008


http://www.themouthpiece.com/images/weston2008/upperrhondda.jpg



Section Entered : Fourth
Order of Play : 6
Musical Director : Rhodri Griffiths
Chosen Test Piece : Anglian Dances
http://www.urbrassband.com/









************************************************** *************************


I
- Super start, it's all there, balance, tuning and ensemble - well done. Nice horn solo line, leading well into D where you repeat the standard at the start. Could hear more on the >'s though and the end ff didn't sound loud enough!

II
- Minuet starts very well, lovely lilt! Ct solo well controlled, and nice tone too - well done. No nerves! Tutti at C very good, this is tight and classy. Slight tuning between E and F. G basses are very good, you sound smooth and fresh. Nice ending - overall this movement was excellent. Going well so far.

III
- Hmmm, where's the marcato? there could be a little more here and D doesn't to me sound 'lively' enough. ff at F wasn't loud enough, too controlled and maybe you're reluctant to go for the ff...? Not as good as the first two movements - and please... please... no 'air blowing' between movements, it really stains the polish built up in the performance thus far!

IV
- Clear start, but several bars before B I hear the first signs of intonation slipping in. Solo Ct slightly nice vib but pear shaped tone. Tuning / intonation on horns and low cts through C... more rubato would have made a significant difference in this movement. Again, I don't hear an ff before E? Ct solo very musical and expressive - bravo! This movement ends with a few more intonation issues through the ensemble playing, and not quite pp enough.

V
- A lively start - as indicated on the score, but too quiet for 'f'. Quavers on Bass then Cts are played tightly and together - no slips at all there, well controlled. Good woodblock too... see - you are noticed percussion :). I = again is too quiet for 'f', there's not enough dynamic contrast and at J where is the Marcato? Solid ending.

Overall a performance that lacked enough dynamic range, the 'ff's were too quiet and the 'p's too loud. However, the ensemble/unison playing was good, and the band certainly plays with an air of confidence. More control of dynamics, and use of expression might have helped. Good solid performance though. Thank you.

Di
18.05.2008, 11:47
We have offered our opinion of the bands performance based on the music, and on what we hear; and not on the technicalities of notes and other musical markings in the score etc.

Please don't be offended if you don't agree with what we write. This will simply be a combination of a report of our opinions on how we felt the performance went on the day, and of what's happening at the contest.

Please feel free to add your comments and your scores based on what you heard but please remember to keep these constructive and within the spirit of tMP and our guidelines. :)