Posted: 25/06/25
Derwent Brass Concert Review - June 21, 2025
"Masterworks: Pictures at an Exhibition"
I will confess that upon receiving invitation to a brass band concert, my expectations were modest. I, like many others, may have been guilty of holding a certain predilection away from ‘bands’ and towards the orchestral, but I’m not sure I could have been more wrong.
On Saturday June 21st in the beautiful setting of Derby Cathedral, I attended the most recent instalment in Derwent Brass’ ‘Masterworks Series’ for a programme of Shostakovich, Golland, Holst, and Mussorgsky, conducted by Jack Capstaff.
The fanfares of Shostakovich’s Festive Overture rang out as a real statement of intent, followed by a presto bursting with energy and sparkle. The work, written shortly after Stalin’s death, was brimming with enthusiastic brilliance, and captured well by the band who seemed to relish showing off their virtuosic playing.
Derwent were joined by Adam Bokaris, principal Euphonium of the world famous Black Dyke band for a performance of the rarely heard Golland Euphonium Concerto No.1. Adam played sublimely, with both theatrical technique, and the most beautiful melodic playing when required, all sensitively accompanied by the band.
Holst’s Moorside Suite came next, closing the first half, and continued in the fashion of the first works. A stunning nocturne was bookended by 2 buoyant scherzos.
The second half then - the main course – had much to live up to from the first. I have heard ‘pictures’ performed many times by orchestras to varying levels of achievement, so I was excited to see what Elgar Howarth’s edition of the work for Brass Band had to offer.
The work itself was full of colour; such inventive use of orchestration, mutes, and percussion. There were hints and nods to Ravel, but this was very much a work of its own standing, and removed from the shadow of the edition we all know and love.
The impressive capability and versatility of the band was on full display in capturing the sheer diversity of the music. Noble Russian promenades interspersed characterful movements. The highlight for me was the hauntingly beautiful “Cum mortuis in lingua mortua”, which was absolutely chilling, and had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Perhaps the most visceral playing was heard in the raw power the band were able to muster in the likes of Bydlo and Baba Yaga.
The performance grew with inexorable force to the climax – the Great Gates of Kyiv - where, to our surprise and satisfaction, the grand organ of Derby Cathedral, played by Matt Eden, joined for a finale of the most opulent grandeur.
The performance throughout was dynamic and electrifying, and in its conclusion, absolutely magnificent. You could see both band and audience completely captivated by the enthusiasm, and character of Capstaff’s reading which felt to not only bring the colour of Hartmann’s paintings to life; but imbued the very essence of Mussorgsky.
Derwent Brass, bravo. You have made a convert of me.
Julian Merrick
