News

Cory European Adjudications
Interesting adjudications from the 2007 European Championships. One judge couldn't spell rhythmic but that observation apart, quite a good show!




Test Piece: 'Elgar Variations' by Martin Ellerby

Philip Sparke wrote:
This was just great!
So much attention to detail without loosing the overall picture.
The composer should be delighted!!
I’m sure you have done all he asks in this performance.
Thanks very much.

Thomas Doss wrote:
Great feeling for the music and this piece – Good direction.
Nice soloists and band playing, also the chamber music is good.
Sometimes some passages could be extended.
BRAVO!

Jan de Haan wrote:
A very musical performance.
Great soloists!!
From I minor intonation.
Compliments especially for the interpretation.
An impressive band.

Own Choice: 'Of Men and Mountains' by Edward Gregson

Oliver Wasespi wrote:
Overall a very fine performance, generally very controlled and some marvellous moments, e.g.
Beginning to 3,
fig 20, cornet “semplice”.
Fig 22, etc, etc…
Some balance problems, basses and percussion were sometimes too loud.
But remarkable all the same!
Thank you

James Gourlay wrote:
There were many fine points in this performance, not least the fine soloists.
I did find some of the allegro passages lacked ryhthmic (sic) stability at times, caused often by rushing.
The solos trio at fig 21 was very well played, but balance was not 100% as the one or other soloist dominated by turns, robbing the music of it’s chamber – music potential.
The close lacked climax as it perhaps started to loudly.
These small observations apart.
This was a very enjoyable show.

Alan Morrison wrote.
A performance with much to commend technically, if not capturing entirely the character and musical essence.
Fundamental concerns in balance and intonation are apparent and the long accel was unsuccessfully managed.
Soloists deal well, if not always clearly articulated.
The Bravura ending didn’t quite achieve the necessary climax, but some exciting moments none the less.

British Bandsman - The Leading International Brass Magazine wrote:
Cory Band gave an impressive reading of Edward Gregson's 'Of Men and Mountains' under Dr. Robert Childs. Here the band was very much on home ground, since many of the players would have performed the piece under the composer's direction when members of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Cory's fine line-up of soloists, strengthened by the inclusion of Steve Sykes on tuba, made outstanding contributions and the huge chords near the beginning and at the end perfectly evoked the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.

Bob's thoughts:
Thank you Cory for two magnificent performances. I've received phone calls, e-mails and letters of congratulation from many of our movement's most respected musicians who were overwhelmed by both performances we gave. I'd also like to thank our loyal supporters throughout Europe, EBBA and the BFBB for a well organised event, and also members of the adjudicating panel for their contributions. On the whole I found their comments educated and constructive, although its obvious to me which judges really studied their scores and which ones simply relied on their intuitive gut reaction!

We the Cory Band look forward to the remainder of our 2007 commitments and indeed next year's European Championships in Norway.

wink
11 May 2007