CD: Metropolis 1927

Metropolis 1927
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth
Director: Lt. Col. Nick Grace OBE RM, Principal Conductor of Music Royal Marines

CHVCD 46 www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk

Having been blown away by the performance of the massed bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in great colour, with the addition of woodwinds and a spacious reading adding a new dimension to a work I thought I knew well. Nigel Hess’s Chanson de Normandie is simply beautiful and, although not technically demanding, in the hands of such accomplished musicians it overflows with music and passion.

Martin Ellerby’s Gallipoli 100 Suite receives a performance that is both thrilling and captivating in equal measure. The subtlety of the upper woodwind voices is particularly impressive, allowing a transparency that many wind orchestras fail to achieve, whilst the work is notably enhanced by the narration Frank Renton, presenter of BBC Radio 2’s Listen to the Band.

Kenneth Hesketh’s Danceries (Set II) provides further contrast in style, drawing on material from the 17th Century. Once again, the music receives a wonderful reading, successfully creating a sense of poise and panache entirely befitting the music. Fictitious Folk by Bill Connor is the final work featured on this ‘swan song’ CD for Nick Grace and, in many ways, provides the highlight of the entire release. Connor’s infectious music is given a performance of vitality and verve featuring an impressive cameo role for violin.

Maestro Grace is magnanimous in his programme notes, which thank Andy Deacon, Ross Hunt, Simon Tripp, Paul Meacham, Stuart Fothergill, Ian Davis, Ivan Hutchinson and the musicians of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth. Nevertheless, it’s obvious to this writer that the standard of musicianship, together with the consistent level of performance throughout this wonderful CD, is down to the leadership and musical judgment of Lt. Col. Nick Grace.

DR. ROBERT CHILDS

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