CD: Regionals 2018

With many now looking curiously towards next year’s contest season, the Regionals 2018 CD offers an exciting first glimpse into the diverse selection of pieces that will soon become familiar to bands throughout the country at the 2018 Regional Championships in Britain.

The Championship Section bands will be facing a relatively unknown test next year in the form of Kevin Norbury’s Odyssey, the 1999 ‘European’ set-work.

Taking inspiration from both the ancient Celtic hymn, Be thou my Vision, and Dante’s Inferno, brooding and troubled opening themes develop to an exuberant finale. Here, Brighouse and Rastrick’s spirited live performance from 1999 brings the score spectacularly to life.

Section 1 will have plenty to work with James Curnow’s dark, stimulating set of variations on an incisive original theme in Brass Metamorphosis. Effortlessly dispatched by Soli Brass on this disc, the piece should prove to be a superb choice, with an ideal blend of technical challenges, solo playing and musical nuance to be portrayed.

Meanwhile, Foden’s Band performs the stirring Section 2 test-piece, Ex Terra Lucem by Jonathan Bates. This imaginative work explores the history of St. Helens through a mixture of musical elements, including Celtic dance influences, a tranquil homage to Arthur Bliss and Eric Ball, and a thunderous culmination, which will no doubt prove popular amongst the bands.

Philip Harper has always had a flair for creating vivid musical pictures and the engaging Section 3 work, Napoleon on the Alps, is no exception, recorded here by Cory Band with characteristic ease. A menacing approach to the mountains is followed by exotic stately fanfares as Napoleon arrives, before a solo cornet fanfare leads the charge to a triumphant finale.

Finally, Section 4 will be off on a World Tour, courtesy of Rodney Newton, performed here by Black Dyke. Inspired by the tours of the famous Besses o’ th’ Barn Band between 1906 and 1911, multiple styles and recognisable tunes are featured, testing the fundamental skills, whilst remaining accessible.

This appealing collection of recordings, complete with enlightening composer’s notes, will be an invaluable first port of call for bands and musical directors across the country as they begin the long journey towards next year’s ‘Regional’ competitions.

 
THOMAS DUNNE

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