The second of our “Together” concerts took place at Cradley Heath SA, where we welcomed Langley Band under it’s MD Cliff Parker.  For me it was an extra special evening as I am privileged to play in both BCB and Langley.

 

One of the oldest Brass Bands in the Midlands, and with recent placing both at Midland Area and Bolsover contests in the 1st section, we knew the concert would be a musical treat.  Langley commenced with Alan Fernie’s arrangement of Broadway Spectacular and their set included the Flugel Horn and Solo Horn duet Nobody Does it Better.  The main item from Langley was Philip Sparke’s Test Piece “Tallis Variations”, a great, testing piece of music and for me on BBb the need to bring my bass mute for 2 notes!!!

 

BCB played a varied programme showing the different aspects of SA music.  From the classic march Able, the reflective Be Still, the very modern Happy Song from Sam Creamer, to the wonderful “oldie” from RSA In Quiet Pastures.  The AV presentation together with the words from our BM Gavin Lamplough helped any non-army friends to understand what was being portrayed.  This was also apparent in BCBs major work “Quintessence”, which is superbly scored by Robert Redhead.  A very difficult piece of music, rarely used but given an excellent interpretation by BCB.

 

The massed band items chosen and conducted by Cliff and Gavin were Under Two Flags, (Gavin), Glorifico Aeternum (Cliff), Manchester (Cliff) and The Triumph of Peace (Gavin).  Another great evening bringing two excellent bands together in music and fellowship

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Report by David Mynott