British Open 2014
Birmingham Symphony Hall
Saturday 6th September
The British Open is believed to be the oldest music competition in the world, celebrating its 162nd year in 2014.
The contest has consistently maintained its traditions of excellence in brass playing of the highest standards.
Here's the preview:-
Desford Colliery
Conductor: Tom Davoren
Open Record:
The eternal enigmas of the British Open. Desford may not have yet won the title, but over the years they have come close and given listeners some memorable performances in the process.
That said, last year was one that didn’t register too long in the memory banks - sounding under prepared and error strewn, so they know they will have to pull something out of the bag if they are not to find themselves looking over the shoulders at a possible relegation scrap.
The appointment of Tom Davoren shows the intent though (as does their recent contest form) - so don’t be surprised that the Midlanders once again give plenty of food for thought in the box.
Player to listen out for:
Brian Winter - A great opportunity to hear one of classiest flugel players around.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Gary Wyatt
Principal Euphonium: Michael Howley
Soprano: Preben Johannsen
Solo Horn: George Thackray
Flugel: Brian Winter
Solo Trombone: Jonathan Pippen
Baritone: Margaret Antrobus
Eb Tuba: Jon Truscott
Bb Tuba: Phillip Blake-Convey
2014 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 2nd
Regionals: 2nd (Midlands)
Appearances: 42nd time
Debut: 1970
Open Record:
1 Second: 1979
2 Thirds: 1980, 2006
2 Fourths: 1982, 2007
2 Fifths: 1984, 1986
2 Sixths: 1983, 1987
32 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 11th (Nigel Seaman) (17)
2012: 9th (Nigel Seaman) (8)
2011: 7th (Nigel Seaman) (6)
2010: 7th (Martin Winter) (7)
2009: 7th (James Gourlay) (1)
2008: 14th (Nigel Seaman) (3)
2007: 4th (Frans Violet) (10)
2006: 3rd (Nigel Seaman) (12)
2005: 16th (Peter Parkes) (1)
2004: 3rd at Grand Shield (P. Parkes) (prom): 7th (Peter Parkes) (17)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: 19th (Peter Parkes) (12) (rel)
2000: 20th (Peter Parkes) (19)
Outside bet
Two bands that come into the good ‘outside bet’ category are Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, who are more than capable of battling it out for the major honours at any event under Philip McCann, and Desford Colliery, who one of these days will surely produce a performance that is more than just the sum of its talented parts. Tom Davoren may be the man to glue things together this time around.
Tom Davoren with Desford Band in registration.
The Desford Glamour Section.
The Percussion section relaxing before our performance.
Taken from 4barsrest.com, as it played out on the day:
Draw 4. Desford Colliery (Tom Davoren)
The slowest opening we have heard so far. This just needs to move on a little for us although it certainly accentuates the sudden cranking up of the energy in Variation 1.
The slowly encroaching darkness of Variation 3 here takes on a crepuscular, eerily other-worldly twist that is extremely effective and there's a leanness about the band sound in Variation 3 that allows the detail to be heard, even though there are occasional fleeting lapses in rhythmic precision.
Variation 4 gets close to the kind of emotionally wrought angst that we need from the music although we haven't yet heard a band that has truly found the depths and darkness that lies at the heart of the piece.
The gentle rays of sunlight that penetrate the gloom in Variation 5 unfold with elegance before the sky's once again cloud over. There's a touch of Sibelius about the opening of Variation 6 (The Karelia Suite rather than the notation software) and again the pacing is impressive from the MD.
The fugue precedes at a sensible tempo and is kept on a reasonably tight leash. It doesn't quite ignite though and the approach to the final climax is harsh rather than life affirming.
Overall: After a ponderous opening there there was a clear sense of intent about this reading. Some fine playing but the ending will surely cost.
Standing out
With the podium finishers ‘standing out’ in the opinion of Paul Cosh, Stephen Roberts and John Berryman, a slightly inconsistent Foden’s eventually came fourth, whilst Desford’s finely structured account, which found a great deal of favour in the hall was fifth.
Desford more than satisfied with their engaging performance under conductor Tom Davoren, whose musical reputation grows with each contest outing.
Full Results
Saturday 6th September
Test Piece: 'Vita Aeterna Variations' - Alexander Comitas
Draw: 8.45am
Commence: 10.00am
Adjudicators: John Berryman, Paul Cosh, Stephen Roberts
Results:
1. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs)
2. Cory (Philip Harper)
3. Flowers (Paul Holland)
4. Foden's (Allan Withington)
5. Desford Colliery (Tom Davoren)
6. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
7. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King)
8. Grimethorpe Colliery (Dr Robert Childs)
9. Fairey (Garry Cutt)
10. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
11. Leyland (Michael Bach)
12. Milnrow (Mareika Gray)
13. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke)
14. Hepworth (Mark Peacock)
15. Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay),
16. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Phillip McCann)
17. Kirkintilloch (David Roberts)
Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Zoe Hancock (Flugel) Black Dyke
Brian Evans Memorial Trophy: Steve Stewart (Soprano) Cory
The Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy: Gary Curtin (Euphonium) Black Dyke
Courtesy of 4barsrest.com