I was a little unsure which heading to put this post under, as the concert concerned was last night at the end of their visit to the UK. I have just attended what I would rate as one of the best brass band concerts I have ever been to. The selection of music and the presentation were first class, and it was an object lesson on how to introduce new and challenging works into a band programme. Intonation was top notch, right from the Gordon Jacobs fanfare to the national anthem, which can quickly sort out any waverers.
The band's tone may have been a little more strident than we are used to, particularly at the top end, but although loud at times they did not overblow. The two soloists, trombonist David Bremner and our own David Childs, were both on top form, and the enthusiasm of all involved was most uplifting. The accoustic at Regent Hall can be a little unforgiving at times, particularly when there are a lot of empty seats, and you did sometimes miss the warmth of sound from the middle of the band, that was a little dominated by the four euphoniums, while the flugels, tucked away at the end of the second row, had little chance to be heard until the eloquent solo in Windows of the World.
All in all, an excellent evening's music-making, but WHERE WERE THE AUDIENCE :?:
As in the recent posts about our own National Youth Brass Band, the attendance was very disappointing, as I doubt there were as many as 150 present, including the band's own supporters. I gather that other events around the country were much better attended, and I hope some of you had the chance to hear this fine band.
The band's tone may have been a little more strident than we are used to, particularly at the top end, but although loud at times they did not overblow. The two soloists, trombonist David Bremner and our own David Childs, were both on top form, and the enthusiasm of all involved was most uplifting. The accoustic at Regent Hall can be a little unforgiving at times, particularly when there are a lot of empty seats, and you did sometimes miss the warmth of sound from the middle of the band, that was a little dominated by the four euphoniums, while the flugels, tucked away at the end of the second row, had little chance to be heard until the eloquent solo in Windows of the World.
All in all, an excellent evening's music-making, but WHERE WERE THE AUDIENCE :?:
As in the recent posts about our own National Youth Brass Band, the attendance was very disappointing, as I doubt there were as many as 150 present, including the band's own supporters. I gather that other events around the country were much better attended, and I hope some of you had the chance to hear this fine band.
