The placidity of this opening is at once impressive. Cornet plays splendidly and the Flugel Solo in this beautiful ‘Mylio’ song is played from the heart. Tremelo and trumpeting passages are skillfully done. Allegro: The turbulence of the music here is well portrayed and, technically, the work is almost without blemish. The triplet groups from I are played with the utmost clarity and the soft “responses” after K (and before Andantino) are musicianly indeed. It is obvious that the Euphonium soloist is an artist. He plays this famous but enormously difficult solo with tenderness and touching simplicity. Perhaps singers of this “Rozenn” aria might take a lesson from him. In the Allegro the murmuring under current is portrayed expertly, and the music leads naturally and easily to the final “War Song”. This was given with all the necessary conviction with a plentiful sprinkling of brilliance as well.

193 Points                                                                 Frank Wright

A very well controlled opening. Individual players excellent and a real feeling for the emotional side of the music. So far, quite the best opening section.

Allegro; well chosen tempo and some thrilling effects. The control of this team is very fine indeed and the music is so artistically treated (just one tiny blemish, the 5^th bar after K, Flugel came in a crotchet beat late).

Andantino; here too is complete artistry from soloist whilst accompaniments, are kept just in the right proportion. Four bars before N, Eb Bass momentarily behind the beat. This movement has a delightful sense of poise and artistry.

Allegro; muted cornets a trifle too quite. P, a really noble style.

A performance noted for artistic direction, brilliantly safe technique and continual musical pleasure to the listener.

193 Points                                                                 Dennis Wright

Andante; good Bass tone and good cornet too. Flugel plays beautifully and the part playing of the rest is good also. Lively playing a-tempo, nice Soprano. Very subdued at B and most effective.

Allegro; good exciting playing, excellent trumpeting at D. Trombones stand out most effectively. Nice contrasted style at F. The conductor knows his job. Thrilling style at H. Lovely playing at I. J again the style is exciting. Without doubt it is good playing.

Andantino non troppo; nicely balanced muted cornets and as for the Euphonium, well, it is just heavenly, such lovely expression and the touch of that finishing trill, I ask you!

Allegro Tempo; a great work up to P then wonderful playing to end. As far as I am concerned this is it so far.

193 Points                                                                 Harold Moss