The Mountbatten Festival of Music 2001

by
Warrant Officer 2 Graeme Thew
Assistant Band Sergeant Major, Grenadier Guards

The Mountbatten Festival of Music 2001 Review The full weight of the Royal Marines Band Service descended upon The Royal Albert Hall in mid February for the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music. Last year's concert nodded in the direction of the West End Musical and was literally an 'all singing-all dancing' affair. However, this year, the Bands' performance had a much more traditional feel to it. After the formalities of the National Anthem, the programme began with a 'Mac' McDermott fanfare which had a very atmospheric central section - helped in no small way by great lighting effects (which were to feature highly throughout the concert). It was performed well and thoroughly enjoyed by a full Albert Hall audience. The military or 'wind band' is capable of marked contrasts in programming and this evening had some sparkling examples - none more so than when following the rousing end to the overture, the spotlight fell on the solo oboe of Band Sergeant Sharp in an arrangement of 'O Mio Babbino Caro'. The next section of the concert, under the direction of Warrant Officer 2 McDermott, was a tribute to the bandleader Ted Heath. The big band set up 'front and centre' and was featured in some Heath favourites, such as 'Opus 1' and 'Hot Toddy'. It's good to see a British bandleader given the treatment so often reserved for the 'Millers' and 'Kentons' of this world. The sound of the big band was first rate with some especially tight ensemble playing and finely observed details such as section phrasing and vibrati. The sound of the big band gave way to a feature for solo trumpet and band. 'Maria' from West Side Story was Musician Ivan Hutchinson's vehicle to display some sensitive playing, but the soloist, along with others throughout the evening, had to work a little too hard against the massed ranks on stage. Two marimbas and four percussionists moved centre stage next for an arrangement of Evelyn Glennie's 'Little Prayer'. This produced another one of those stark contrasts to the sound of the full band, but I would have much preferred it in its original, one player, version. Amongst the wide variety of music performed there was plenty to keep the 'March Buffs' happy. The first half finale was no exception as it introduced The Corps of Drums through a selection of marches old (The Voice of The Guns) and new (HMS Ocean). The traditional Drum Features were perhaps not as overtly technical as in previous year; however, the rhythmical complexities of the music were used as a basis for some highly accomplished and effective stick drill. These ever popular features brought the first half to a rousing end and whetted the appetite for the rest of the concert. Malcolm Arnold's piece 'Fanfare for a Festival' opened the second half and, as with all Arnold's music, sounded as fresh as when it was first played in 1955. Two more marches followed, the first being 'The Jolly Roger' composed by Band Corporal Martyn Hancock for the Centenary of the Submarine Service. Full of nautical leanings, it certainly kept the Trombone Section busy in the opening phrases. Sousa's 'The Stars and Stripes Forever' completed the pairing, however the Harp, which featured tastefully throughout the evening, was sadly missing during the trio section. The mighty Albert Hall organ, played by Liz Le Grove was featured along with the violin of Major Chris Davis in Albinoni's 'Adagio'. Arranged by Band Sergeant Peter Curtis, this was another fine example of the variety of music making available from the Royal Marines Band Service. Laying aside his violin, Major Davis took up the baton to conduct 'Mars' from Gustav Holst's 'Planets' suite. Orchestral transcriptions do not always travel well to the military band but this intense, driving interpretation, including the opening 'col legno' effects and again some clever lighting, made for a very convincing and most enjoyable performance. In fact, it was this reviewer's highlight of the evening. An enthusiastic ride through Kabalevsky's Galop from 'The Comedians' lightened the mood and led us into the finale, conducted of course by Lt Col Richard Waterer. The stage was filled with all the evening's performers and they in turn were joined by a choir from the Royal Marines School of Music. Heard in John Williams' 'Hymn to The Fallen' from the film 'Saving Private Ryan', this added colour made such a difference to the piece, the choir parts usually being conspicuous by their absence in military band performances. A work from last year's Edinburgh Tattoo 'Celebration of the Commonwealth' followed. It grew from a simple oboe melody to a full blown performance including bagpipes! This was a precursor of what was to follow as the finale. A selection of themes from that massive military and musical spectacular 'The Royal Military Tattoo 2000'. As with the previous work WO McDermott provided the original music and it gave a chance for the Bands, Fanfare Trumpets, Corps of Drums, Choir and Organ to give full vent and fill The Royal Albert Hall with sound. This reviewer felt a little uneasy as he remembered the many hours spent honing the music and movements on Horse Guards' Parade last year! I do, however, wonder how well the music worked for those members of the audience not fortunate enough to have seen all the visual elements that were added on Horse Guards'. Cleverly woven into this impressive 'sound picture', however, were the evening hymn 'Jerusalem' and, of course, 'Sunset'. As the curtain fell to the strains of 'Heart of Oak' and 'A Life On The Ocean Wave' and as the rhythmic clapping to 'Radetzky' faded away, I am sure the bulk of the audience were already booking their tickets for next year's concert. The level of production and the ability to showcase such musical talent, arranging and compositional skills with high quality presentation, all from 'in house' is something in which the Royal Marines Band Service can justifiably take great pride. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment.

WOII Graeme Thew. (Assistant Band Sergeant Major, Grenadier Guards)