Numbering over 80 young musicians - the size of a full symphony orchestra - the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain took to the Stoller Hall's stage this evening looking smart and professional.
Their Easter concert - the cumulation of a one week residential course in the Peak District, was a sold-out event, and it is clear that the band has a huge following, not just of family and friends. It was my first time listening to this band, and their cumulative sound (due to their huge number) was reverberating and shook the floors, but the quality of sound was pure and harmonic. A joy to listen to, even if you did need earmuffs occasionally!
The band played 13 pieces in total, with a theme to all the music played this evening being 'Hope, Joy And Love'. Starting with an upbeat and lively 'Fuego' (Paul Sharman), this piece utilised a cornet ensemble, and toe-tapping dance rhythms, and proved a great start to the evening. There was a varied and interesting mix of pieces played throughout from the more traditional Salvation Army style marches, to music that one would not immediately associate with a brass band; whilst some pieces were composed more than 100 years ago, these were interspersed with very contemporary pieces. And whilst the 80+ instrumentalists were all extremely talented and relished their opportunity to shine this evening, under conductor Stephen Cobb's direction, they found it very difficult to play quietly. Forte and variations thereof were superb, but piano and pianissimo seemed almost impossible for them.
A guest soloist, cornetist Philip Cobb (who just happened to be the conductor's son) came on for a few of the pieces, proving that he is indeed extremely talented and knew his way around the instrument, delighting the audience and the band's cornet players alike. In fact, one of my favourite pieces from this evening was performed by Cobb as soloist, 'Virtuosity' by Kenny Baker. By far the most dramatic and superbly-played pieces for me was Karl Jenkins's Stabat Mater Suite (arranged by Wainwright). Here the band had to make a different and unusual configuration [one assumes to make a slight difference in tonal audibility] but this was played with panache by all.
Stephen Cobb introduced and gave some background to each piece before playing them which sadly, without amplification, was mostly lost. It was difficult to hear him on the back row! It also lengthened an already too long concert as well. Most music concerts these days are 2 hours (including interval), which is about right for both audience and musicians. However, this concert, including the two planned and rehearsed encores, lasted just over 2,5 hours which was stretching it a little for young amateur musicians.
Having said that however, I could have listened to them play all night, non-stop! A hugely proficient and talented ensemble of teenagers and young people, all of whom having an incredible and invaluable experience whilst being part of this band. A massive congratulations to all involved and I look forward to having the opportunity of listening to the band again on their next visit to Manchester.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 8.3.23
on - 8.3.23
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