There’s something brilliant and exciting in the sound of these old recordings at high pitch . And the sound of the old G bass trombone is inimitable. Unfortunately, this recording is running a bit fast so is slightly higher (and therefore faster) than it should be. I checked it against the pitch of an old high pitch G in my possession…
This work was first used as a test piece, I believe, in 1950 at the British Open at Belle Vue. It is dedicated to Elsa who was the younger sister of Eric Ball's wife. Elsa died unexpectedly and it is suggested that this rare dedication was in her memory. I have performed this work in concert and it certainly produces an emotional response from the performers, but, in my experience, a visible reaction from the audience - there were many listeners that were clearly effected by the music. It is a great piece of music for that reason. Personally, I would like to see the Open bands of 2018 tackle this work as it remains a challenge, even today. - Not technically, but performers showing that they have the emotional resources to deliver it as it should be played.
blottit yes, i have played it too and agree with your comments. Btw i played in a band with the late euph virtuoso Wilf Mountain who played 2nd euph to Harry Cheshire with Faireys when they won the Open on this in 1950.
Food for thought your comments about the challenges presented were this to be used as a test piece. I can only wonder at the technical prowess of top flight brass band players today. However in my book the whole reason for instrumental mastery is to be able to express emotion and to be able to communicate. Clearly some works for brass band are meant to be clinically expressed and I have no problem with this. I just wonder if the baby is being thrown out with the bath water. The issue does not seem to apply to UK orchestras, and obviously does not apply to all brass band personnel but what we do is called music, a mixture of art and science. It seems we may have moved away from the art element a little too much.
If I had been a player on this recording I would have had to retire immediately as I could not imagine being able to be a part of something as fantastic as this ever again. It actually sounded that the Band was knocking on heavens door in the mid section. I was waiting to hear St Peter answer and ask who they wanted to speak to! ......... ha
halsasaurus1 there's something unique and magical about this old recording. Tempos are faster but such passion and united playing. How magical would it be to see that band recording live!
@@peterwhitehead2858 A former conductor i had was bumper up to Derek Garside when he went to play for CWS MANCHESTER he said :Derek's tone was just breath taking !!! one of the finest players around in his day
zat vroeger op de fanfare dit muziekstuk heb ik heel goede herinneringen aan nog met kees kostelijk op de tuba ik op de bugel k n a zuid scharwouden denk van negentien. acht en zestig
