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Deutscher Blaserphilharmonie Disc |
This is available now together with their second record, Mirror, produced earlier this year, and typical of the high level of compact disc recordings now on the market. Both discs cost 60 DM, and again this second disc presents an eclectic programme of unusual repertoire. The Orchestra was founded in 1992 by Michael Kummer and David Gilson and is made up of professionals, teachers, students and gifted amateurs from all over Germany. There is no indication in the otherwise excellent sleeve-notes of how often they rehearse but the production of the recording and the level of performance is impressive.
Their programme begins with Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No 3 in a splendidly authentic transcription by Michael Kummer. As a Britisher, I am almost ashamed to say that this was totally unknown to me, and quite a find and a splendid alternative to the two well-known marches. The main themes had a jaunty swing, and the Trio was treated with a light sophistication, great interpretation with some virtuosic playing. This was followed by two movements of the Tuba Concerto by new WASBE member, Martin Ellerby. It was a pity not to hear the first movement; is it time for someone to bring a complete recording onto the market? Ellerby's slow music is always lyrical and quite emotional, while the finale bubbles along in an amusing way with some teasing cross-rhthyms to keep players on their toes. This is music which reaches out to audiences without taxing them and as always with Ellerby it is fun to play; conductors who enjoy the Paris Sketches or Dona Nobis Pacem will want to programme this if these have a good soloist to platform, and in Andreas Hofmeir, the Philharmonie has an excellent soloist.
The arrangement by Yoshiro Kimura of the Bach Fugue in G minor remindsme how very well a lot of Bach transcribes for wind band, those organ registrations reproduce very well, and this was a finely judged performance. I have always found Zdenek Lukas Sinfonia Brevis earnest but heavy going; it is a major statement of some nineteen minutes, but I really cannot get into it. There was some excellent playing, particularly from the solo oboist. Suite no 5 - International Dances, by Alfred Reed has no surprises for those who know the maestro's style. The Hoe-down is good post-Copland fun, the Sarabande is too sentimental for my taste, Yamabushi Kagura has a certain repetitive hypnotic charm, while in the final Hora, Reed captures much oif the spirit of Israeli dance idiom. If you want an encore movement, this could be a very effective choice.
T.R. - WASBE President