CD: Pulse
Steven MeadCDBOCC128
CD of the Month June 2019
PULSE
Steven Mead – euphonium
Royal Band of the Belgian Air Force
Conductor: Matty Cilissen
CDBOCC128 | Buy this CD here!
During his many years of releasing self-styled solo CDs, Steven Mead has become known not only for the remarkably consistent quality of his playing, but also for his commercial enterprise and the all-round quality of his products, including packaging and recorded quality. Perhaps more than any other, Steven Mead’s latest release, Pulse, excels on all levels.
This is the first CD recorded by the soloist on which he plays his new gold-lacquered Besson Prestige 2052 euphonium, the design and development of which Steven has been closely involved with throughout the production process. The concept of the recording was borne of his desire to record a CD that showcased the euphonium in the context of wind band accompaniment and featured a range of repertoire that traverses several major recent pieces alongside a handful of old favourites, including Philip Sparke’s effervescent Pantomime and a wonderfully evocative account of the same composer’s Summer Isles from Hymn of the Highlands.
Elsewhere, the title track Pulse by Thomas Doss gets the disc off to a dynamic, rhythmically-fuelled start in a breathless display of technical dexterity from the soloist. In contrast, the long, singing phrases of the same composer’s Reverie allow the soloist to demonstrate glowing lyricism and a clear emotional engagement with the music. Kevin Houben’s Legend of a Big Friendly Giant is cinematic in its language and scope, with Steven Mead navigating an enthralling course through its diverse and substantial ten-minute span. Carlos Pellicer’s Omaira takes both soloist and listener on a very different journey via its deeply affecting homage to the victims of the town of Armero in Columbia - swept away by a mud avalanche in 1985, whilst Tom Davoren’s recent Rituals, an imaginative and cleverly-constructed celebration of Korean and Welsh culture, allows the soloist to amply display multi-faceted elements of his playing.
That leaves a sparkling account of Philip Sparke’s Scaramouche and a finale of Jota Mendez, in which the Mexican inflections of the music are given dazzling licence by the soloist in a display of striking articulation and ebullient spirit.
The accompaniment provided by the Royal Band of the Belgian Air Force, directed by Matty Cilissen, is exemplary, not only for its sensitivity to the soloist, but also for the sheer range and breadth of colour that extends to vividly exciting sounds, notably from the band’s brass section.
Beautifully presented with informative and comprehensive liner notes, and a feel of quality to the three-sided opening packaging, this recording is as pleasurable to look at and read, as it is to listen to. However, there has to be particular mention of the sound quality. The sheer clarity and detail heard from the band is remarkable, and the soloist is placed in an eminently suitable soundstage that creates a sense of concert hall space and natural ambience.
It’s just one further feature of what is an engaging and musically diverse release, displaying a soloist that remains at the very top of his game.
CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
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