ELEGY

RNCM Festival of Brass
Desford Band
Conductor: Russell Gray
2009 RNCM Festival of Brass
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 1st February

Kenneth Hesketh’s music has been a regular fixture at the Festival of Brass in recent years, although he remains a composer whose talents have not been fully exploited by the band world. Last year it was his “Infernal Ride” that we heard played by Leyland, whilst this year it fell to Desford to give the world premiere of his 'Elegy', an extended ten minute slow movement, recreated from the first movement of an early Symphony written by the composer during his teens.

A work such as this deserves to be heard, yet given that it is never likely to be selected as a test piece or programmed in an average band concert, the value of the Festival of Brass in providing a platform for music of this quality remains utterly essential.

'Elegy' is in essence a long, slowly unfurling melodic line, growing in intensity and complexity to reach two powerful climaxes before the process effectively reverses itself to reach a hushed conclusion.

Hesketh has a fine ear for texture and colour and his prominent use of tuned percussion, marked by a demanding but highly effective vibraphone part, made for one of the more atmospheric and intriguing experiences of the Festival.

6 February 2009
4barsrest.com
Christopher Thomas