Vaughan Williams and the Brass Band

 

Apparently, he didn't care for the sound.

Count me with him. I still haven't come to terms with the tight vibrato and cornet-laden British Brass Band traditions. Yet, I continue to try...

This program features music which can be heard with an orchestra or concert band, but is rather rare from a brass band. That makes this recording essential listening for fans of brass.

Certainly, it is most interesting to hear the Tuba Concerto in this guise, where Ross Knight does a swell job as tuba soloist.

A review from 2023

This album would be great for brass band fans and Vaughan Williams sycophants. Much of the music programmed here I am used to hearing from a wind band or orchestra, and it seems much of what is presented was studiously edited just for brass band surrounding VW’s anniversary.

The leading quote in the liner notes from Vaughan Williams states his distaste for Brass Band vibrato, and for its use to be avoided in his music. Odd then upon listening, that the Tredegar Town Band has such a tight, concentrated vibrato throughout. I assume this is a tradition and style of professional competing brass bands which I am unfamiliar with; it is a very unique sound, added to by the use of cornets.

It is the Tuba Concerto that surprised me at how much the brass band worked for me, ably providing room for the solo tuba, plus a smattering of VW wit! Many of these arrangements include percussion, so works like Flourish, English Folk Song Suite, and 49th Parallel display that added dimension.

The hymn preludes provide the more lyrical qualities from RVW, and the brass ensemble gives light, heartfelt performances. The final Variations for Brass Band is a showstopper, and deftly shows the virtuosity of this performing ensemble.

In the end, I am not a huge fan of the brass band sound; it becomes a little squealy sounding for me, where my mind yearns for woodwinds and less poodle-curled vibrato. It is no fault of the performers who are amazingly adept at fleet-footed and agile playing, where the leading by Brabbins and Porthouse seems inspired. The Albion liner notes (12+ pages) are a model of their kind and the sonics are excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

Soloists
Ross Knight, tuba

Ensembles
Tredegar Town Band
Ian Porthouse, conductor
Martyn Brabbins, conductor

Label: Albion
Year: 2022
Timing: 79.30

 

 

 

Those who appreciate the sound of British Bands more than I will have a lot to savor here.

As it is, this is simply a lot of Vaughan Williams music, in very fine performances from the Tredegar Town Band. Who could resist?