A stirring start with Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba set the tone for a glittering evening of brass guaranteed to send you home smiling.
The quintet, two trumpets, a trombone, French horn and tuba presented a delightful mix of chamber music from mainly the 18th century and a cocktail of classics and jazz from the 20th century.
The introductions, taken in turn by the players, were informative and entertaining.
The first half included a set of whimsical short pieces by the Elizabethan composer Giles Farnaby, Fancies, Toyes and Dreams played with delicacy and gusto, where required, creating a toe-tingling timbre.
Mozart’s Queen of the Night Aria from The Magic Flute with its flurries of very high notes was a perfect vehicle for Simon Munday’s soprano trumpet.
Malcolm Arnold’s Quintet, which opened the second half of the concert was a wonderful chance for each of the players to show off their skills. It is by turns, very busy, moody and sparkling.
They then swung briskly into Gershwin followed by New Orleans jazz for a joyous finale.
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