VOX
Robbert Vos, Euphonium
Brass Band Schoonhoven
Conductor: Ivan Meylemans
Fanfare Psalm 150, Dinxperlo
Conductor: Tijmen Botma
Koninklijke Harmonie Oefening and Uitspanning, Beek En Donk.
Conductor: Fried Doppelstein

Robbert Vos has a long reputation as a fine solo performer and, in VOX ,he raises the bar higher still, presenting a tantalising collection of four exquisitely performed new commissions, cementing his place among the world’s elite euphonium artists.

Christian Overhead demonstrates a mastery of atmosphere in his new Underground Concerto. In a remarkably varied work of rich, captivating textures, Overhead is inspired by the writings of Emil Zola in Le Voreux (The Mine) and Greek mythology in The Descent of Orpheus, before ascending in Euphoria with a flourish of funk, jazz, hip-hop and techno-inspired excitement. This Concerto provides the perfect vehicle for Vos to

exhibit his purity of tone and subtle musical shaping, blended with a technical ability to make the jaw drop. This enviable standard continues in the second commission, The Hell of ’63 - a musical interpretation of the Eleven Cities Tour, a legendary 200km skating event. Composer, Hendrik de Boer, utilises the fanfare band accompaniment to great effect, bringing the inclement wintery weather of the 1963 event vividly to life, atop which the soloist soars with ease.

Jan Bosveld’s Le Ruses du Renard, the third commission of the disc, cleverly creates a dialogue between the soloist and band, while once again notably demonstrating the remarkable technical facility of Vos, whose range is expanded to extremes. Meanwhile, Marco Putz’s 2003 Concertino for Euphonium and Band enjoys a debut recording in its original format of fanfare band accompaniment. The traditional musical language offers a welcome change of pace, whilst revealing the soloist’s stylistic versatility.

Finally, the fourth new work, Spinning Gears by Geert Van Kroon, depicts the turmoil of a lone cyclist battling a steep climb before a moment of reflection at the summit. A thrilling high-speed descent is then reflected in outstanding technical acrobatics from the soloist - a worthy finale to this superb disc.

Recorded to the highest audio quality throughout and complemented with enlightening programme notes, VOX showcases Vos at his best yet in what will no doubt be definitive recordings of this valuable new repertoire. His pure tone, technical prowess and sheer artistry allow the listener to simply sit back and enjoy a master at work. VOX is not to be missed!

THOMAS DUNNE