Arcomis International Brass Event, BBCNOW Afternoon on 3, 15th October
Louise Fryer presents the opening concert by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the Arcomis International Brass Event, which took place at St David's Hall in Cardiff last week. Two inspired British brass concertos combine with an Armenian firecracker alongside Stravinsky's brilliantly scored ballet, featuring horn solos and brass fanfares.
Dukas: Fanfare from La Peri BBC National Orchestra of Wales Brass, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Oliver Knussen: Horn Concerto David Pyatt (horn), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Mark-Anthony Turnage: Yet Another Set To Peter Moore (trombone), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Arutunian: Trumpet Concerto Tine Thing Helseth (trumpet), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Stravinsky: The Firebird - Suite (1919) BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
The two British concerti are both accessible pieces but how different they are. Knussen's Horn Concerto is full of pastel colours, restrained in tone and almost a dreamy reverie whereas Yet Another Set to is "in yer face", streetwise, jazz-inspired and full of the raucous clatter of modern urban life. In their different ways both are favourite pieces of mine and it was marvellous to encounter them in the same concert.
David Pyatt displays a safe pair of hands on his horn. He split a couple of notes early on but quickly settled. His tone is much coarser than the noble lustre that once emanated from Dennis Brain's French horn, but perfectly acceptable. I enjoyed Pyatt's interpretation of Knussen and some of his pianissimos were magical. As one might expect, Martyn Brabbins was alert and helpful and his accompaniment was polished.
I've heard the Mark-Anthony Turnage in two earlier performances but this was the first time that I'd heard young trombonist, Peter Moore, since he won the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2008 when he was only 12 y.o.. His playing today is astonishingly mature for a teenager. He played this score with aplomb and panache, and "swung" the rhythms in a most pleasing manner, indeed. A terrific performance.
Tine Thing Helseth was in her element in the Armenian Arutunian's early Trumpet Concert. Again, it's owes much to popular music - but of another more decorous era. It's trivial but fun and Tine played brilliantly. Most enjoyable and instantly forgettable.
Full marks to Arcomis International that encourages people to commission new music and then ensures that contemporary music gets a fair, well-prepared hearing.
Dukas: Fanfare from La Peri BBC National Orchestra of Wales Brass, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Oliver Knussen: Horn Concerto David Pyatt (horn), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Mark-Anthony Turnage: Yet Another Set To Peter Moore (trombone), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Arutunian: Trumpet Concerto Tine Thing Helseth (trumpet), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
Stravinsky: The Firebird - Suite (1919) BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor).
The two British concerti are both accessible pieces but how different they are. Knussen's Horn Concerto is full of pastel colours, restrained in tone and almost a dreamy reverie whereas Yet Another Set to is "in yer face", streetwise, jazz-inspired and full of the raucous clatter of modern urban life. In their different ways both are favourite pieces of mine and it was marvellous to encounter them in the same concert.
David Pyatt displays a safe pair of hands on his horn. He split a couple of notes early on but quickly settled. His tone is much coarser than the noble lustre that once emanated from Dennis Brain's French horn, but perfectly acceptable. I enjoyed Pyatt's interpretation of Knussen and some of his pianissimos were magical. As one might expect, Martyn Brabbins was alert and helpful and his accompaniment was polished.
I've heard the Mark-Anthony Turnage in two earlier performances but this was the first time that I'd heard young trombonist, Peter Moore, since he won the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2008 when he was only 12 y.o.. His playing today is astonishingly mature for a teenager. He played this score with aplomb and panache, and "swung" the rhythms in a most pleasing manner, indeed. A terrific performance.
Tine Thing Helseth was in her element in the Armenian Arutunian's early Trumpet Concert. Again, it's owes much to popular music - but of another more decorous era. It's trivial but fun and Tine played brilliantly. Most enjoyable and instantly forgettable.
Full marks to Arcomis International that encourages people to commission new music and then ensures that contemporary music gets a fair, well-prepared hearing.