2011 UK National Brass Band Finals (3 Section)
Cheltenham - 25 September 2011
| Position: | 3 |
| Points: | |
| Music Piece: | Darkness Visible |
| Adjudicator: | Paul Holland, Philip Harper |
| Conductor: | Matthew Jenkins |
Notes
Paul Holland Adjudication:
Excellent opening despite a touch heavy for "pp" at times. A fine sense of flow to the music.(B) This is a little stilted and lacks momentum. Good sub"f" at (D), solo contributions sound nervy. (F) Transition is well handled, minor ensemble issues throughout the accel. (H) Some detail in semi quavers is missed. (I) I note the detail particularly back row 139. (K) A good effort, lovely warm sounds in lower band at (L). 179 Sop is expressve and has beauty in tone. 197 good sonorous basses. 203 Small intonation issues in middle of band. (N) Has pace but the ensemble is not 100% secure. Good timp 261. (P) A little more pesante perhaps?. 284 6/8 to 4/4 has excellent tempo correlation of quaver=quaver, very good.(R) Broad as it should be, a tempo well observed. Lead into (S) is well handled, very tasteful. (T) Small ensemble issues in the accel. (U) A fine sound but could be more "grand" to show the maestoso style.Lots of dynamic detail evident from here to the end.
A most enjoyable performance,some wonderful sounds and fine direction. The little moments of inconsistancy, what a shame. Thank you.
Philip Harper Adjudication
Convincing opening although could have been quieter- for more blackness!. (B) plods a little and,although there are some nice touches of detail, it needs to connect with the "sparkling in the night" feel required. Good link to (B) and some incisive detail here with a real excitement to the music.(K) is confident, but some of the dynamics are not balanced correctly. (L) is very effective with some unflustered playing from soloists- troms,cornet soprano all play very confidently. Maestoso 197 is well controlled and you maintain a good sonority throughout. (N) has a good attention to detail and is full of excitement-the overdone dynamics work brilliantly here.(P) this is well controlled.Some good shapes follow ,however a few tuning imperfections.Wind down to (T) works well. (U) has a very well focussed and broad sound which is even better at (V) lovely warmth from horns here- very commendable!. An excellent close- why so short on the last pause though?. Thanks very much.