Society's vivid programme ranges from Handel to Gershwin (From Gazette Series)

Review: Chipping Sodbury Music Society, London Brass Symposium Quintet

12:11pm Monday 9th January 2012 in What's On By Gerry Philp

Chipping Sodbury Music Society Handel to Gershwin was the wide-ranging programme vividly presented by the London Brass Symposium Quintet at the January concert in the Town Hall. Stuart Jenkins and Ian Lynch, trumpets, Gillian Jones, French horn, Andy Flaxman, trombone, and Mark Easener, tuba, all consummate musicians and masters of their instruments, got the concert off to a good start with an effervescent performance of George Speer’s sonata from "The Bench Singer" one of the earliest works specifically written for brass quintet. A challenging work by William Blezard, once an accompanist to Joyce Grenfell, gave the artists opportunity to show off their technical expertise unruffled by complex 20th century harmonies.

Victor Ewald’s "Symphony for Brass Choir", with its typically soulful Russian melodies, highlighted the subtle interplay of instruments. A suite for solo tuba, arranged by Mark Easener from Bach’s "Suites for Unaccompanied Cello", proved a real tour de force. Requiring excellent breath control and lip flexibility the range and sonority of the tuba was a revelation. A swinging rendition of the popular song "Let it Snow", by Cahn and Styne, provided a relaxing prelude to the interval.

The second half opened with "The Overture to Mack and Mabel" by Herman. This featured outstanding solo work by trombonist Andy Flaxman. A selection from the "Music Hall Suite" by Joseph Horowitz was played with great affection, and Malcolm Arnold’s "Brass Quintet", a simple work in this genre, revealed echoes of his popular Cornish dances. The mysterious and mournful Chaconne, based on a melancholy Spanish dance, was memorable.

The concert ended with popular pieces. Handel’s "The Harmonious Blacksmith" was given surprising delicacy, Gershwin’s "A Foggy Day in London Town" was exquisitely phrased, and Chris Hazel’s "Struth for Brass Quintet" with its beautiful flugel horn solo, brought the concert to a satisfying conclusion. An enthusiastic audience was then treated to a sparkling encore "Shepherd’s Hey" (Hey!) by Percy Grainger.

For a romantic evening, come to "Music for Valentine’s Day", with Charlotte Newstead, soprano, and Dr John Marsh, piano, at the Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Tuesday 14 February 2012 from 7.30 pm.