Kenny Crookston

Audacious

 

Audacious to the core!

Audacious

Steven Mead (euphonium) Tomoko Sawano (piano)

Bocchino Music BOCC110

Depending on what dictionary one uses, the definition of ‘audacious’ covers an extreme range,

from bold, defiant, brave and original, to inventive, insolent, lively and unrestrained. Regardless

of what is most resonant to each reader, the choice of Audacious as the title for a solo recording

can only represent the throwing down of a sizeable gauntlet, and that is exactly what Steven

Mead has done in this remarkable project.

To describe the programme as challenging for the performers is a bit of an understatement,

but while such demanding works can be a test for the listener, this is not really the case here.

In addition to requiring the virtuoso soloist and accompanist to be on top form, this collection

is packed with première recordings, so its importance in terms of euphonium repertoire makes

this essential listening for serious affi cionados of the instrument.

The first track, Yukka Linkola’s Euphonium Concerto, is described in the extensive programme

notes as the ‘Everest’ of euphonium works, with a solo line that would test the greatest players

on any brass instrument. Equally testing is the piano part, which is reduced from the orchestral

score, but here Tomoko Sawano gives an object lesson in the art of accompaniment (as she

does throughout the entire collection), giving a good impression of an entire orchestra in places

(although the soloist assures this writer that there was only one pianist present!).

Linkola was born in Finland in 1955 and this work is heavily influenced by jazz, an idiom

that has played a prominent part in his own career. In the music itself, an energetic and

wide-ranging opening movement is followed by an extended reflective section, with a lively

tightrope-walking third movement (without a safety net) providing an electrifying finale to a

work of both colour and beauty. For me, this piece is the highlight of the collection, but that

doesn’t denigrate the others in any way whatsoever.

Peter Graham’s concerto, In League with Extraordinary Gentlemen, has three imaginatively-titled

movements – The Time Traveller (inspired by H.G. Wells’ short story, The Time Machine) The

Final Problem (an evocation of Sherlock Holmes’ last journey through the Swiss Alps) and The

Great Race (a Moto Perpetuo-style romp based on Phineas Fogg’s race against time in Around

the World in 80 Days) – and was commissioned and first performed by Osaka Municipal Band,

one of Japan’s leading wind orchestras. The work is characteristic of the composer’s vibrant

approach, and it goes without saying that both performers deliver in emphatic style. The

soloist has commented elsewhere that the piece will become a big favourite in the advanced

euphonium repertoire the world over, and this listener would add that those who take on the

challenge will do well to study this recording.

The lively Hungarian Melodies opens Disc 2, and the composer, Vincent Bach, is better known

for making instruments than for writing for them. This is, nevertheless, a virtuosic piece

reminiscent of other Balkan works of its time, and soloist and accompanist carry off a bravura

performance.

Roger Boutry’s Mosaique is in four short but contrasting movements and was written in 2002 as

a test-piece for a competition at the Paris Conservatoire. The wide-ranging nature of the piece

has since helped it become established as a regular item on the competition circuit, although it

challenges the listener more than any other on this recording.

Gliere’s Impromptu Op.35 No.9 was originally written for bassoon, but translates nicely as a solo

for euphonium and piano in a tasteful arrangement by Luc Vertommen. It is followed by a new

work from the pen of Hungarian composer, Roland Szentpali – Sketches 1998 for Euphonium

and Piano. Another virtuosic piece, Sketches is in three movements – Allegro, Adagio Molto

and Presto – remaining highly accessible for the listener throughout, and even although the

technical bar is set very high for soloist and piano, both clear it with room to spare. Tchaikovsky’s

delightful Valse Scherzo provides a light-hearted but demanding finale to an outstanding

recording.

Although still in the price range of single CDs, this collection occupies two discs, and with 85

minutes of music in total, represents outstanding value. It also comes in Bocchino’s customary

and appealing fold-out packaging, with copious information on every piece and both

performers. It is an outstanding product in every respect.

Kenneth Crookston

British Bandsman  13 Sept 2008

 Download the BB pdf with photos:

http://85.17.117.191/download.php?id=15