BBC Prom 30

Gavin Higgins – Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra (World Premiere)
Hector Berlioz – Symphonie Fantastique op 14
Tredegar Band and BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Ryan Bancroft

A PAIRING of radical works, both over the top in their orchestration and introduction of under-loved instruments and gigantic in vision made for an already exciting affair.

Hector Berlioz’s genre-defining symphony is often a highlight of any concert, however, it is hard to not feel it to be slightly dwarfed by the sheer vision of Higgins’ world premiere Concerto Grosso.

Listening via the radio, we had the luxury of hearing a brief interview with Higgins prior to the premiere, and it was a simple joy to hear a composer not being shy about coming to music via brass bands, but also to hear a composer talk about the importance and the relationship of class to the brass band world.

In 1948 the Workers’ Music Association wrote “it is fundamentally a workers’ music, the brass band. Further, since the competitive spirit has brought remarkable technical ability to the front, we should like to see the scena or concerto forms more generally utilised.”

When initially written, it was to highlight the often overlooked technical and artistic capabilities of band members, in comparison to their orchestral counterparts, however, 74 years on from this insightful remark, it is wonderful to see a suitable concerto has been born for the ensemble.

The five-movement concerto draws on different elements associated with brass banding – be it hewing coal or contesting. Narratively speaking this introduction of banding culture into discussion with an orchestra creates a genuinely interesting dialogue between the two artistic forces which at their core want to make great music, but have varying measures of that “greatness.”

Tredegar Band were on solid form throughout, and it was particularly endearing to hear their encore – an arrangement of Ar Lan Y Mor by Gavin Higgins which showed another side of banding which is dear to my heart also.

The second half was solely Berlioz’s masterpiece Symphonie Fantastique op14. The symphony is a tour de force both in narrative storytelling, colour, and form – and has been a personal favourite since I first heard it at the tender age of 16.

The orchestra were on solid form, the mournful opening of the third movement felt particularly bittersweet. The relationship between Ryan Bancroft and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales really seems to be flourishing and long may it continue.

Thankfully, this Prom, like all the others, can be heard online – and I’d urge readers of the Morning Star to look out for this prom. The music is brilliant, the performance is solid – and most importantly, its not often a BBC Radio show has class so firmly planted.

Not to be missed.