Gilbert Vinter: The Trumpets

Описание: A rare performance of Gilbert Vinter's The Trumpets, including the two interludes not part of the published version. The bass soloist is Forbes Robinson, accompanied by the Besses o' th' Barn Band, the Foden's Motor Works Band and the Halle Choir, conducted by Maurice Handford. This concert performance was recorded at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester in June 1979 and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 13th October 1979 to mark the 10th anniversary of the composer's death.

At the time of making this video I didn't know the identity of the trumpet soloist, but subsequently learned that it is John Gracie. I am indebted to Philip Littlemore for this information.

The Trumpets brings together three biblical texts in which trumpets feature prominently: the battle of Jericho, the commandment handed down to Moses, and the apocalypse. The music is surely Vinter's finest for brass band, and by far the most dramatic. This video includes the libretto which hopefully will enhance the drama even more for the listener. Those Old Testament scribes certainly knew how to tell a vivid story!

Forbes Robinson's performance here is, in my opinion, electrifying, and he seems to inspire the entire ensemble. The final movement of The Trumpets includes a part for organ, which as far as I can hear, is not played in this performance. The Free Trade Hall did have an organ at the time of the recording, but it was a Wurlitzer, and I'm guessing that its sound wasn't what the conductor wanted. If that isn't right, I would be pleased to be corrected.

And apologies for the occasional strange electronic noises which appear in some quiet passages. Hopefully they won't spoil the performance too much.