April 2007

Dear Music-lover,

Thistle Brass, a wonderfully talented brass quintet of former students of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, rounded off a hugely enjoyable season in great style and sent the audience home with a smile. A change in their line-up meant that French horn player Tim Hunter, from Alness, was replaced by Christine Smith ("much prettier", according to trombonist Arlene MacFarlane).

The physical demands on brass players' embouchures means that their repertoire inevitably consists of relatively short works. However, the variety of pieces at the command of Thistle Brass kept us all engaged - and often very amused. The programme started with some music from Handel's "Royal Fireworks" suite, included a wonderful arrangement of Peter Maxwell Davies' "Farewell to Stromness" and continued with the Beatles' "When I'm 64". For me, these pieces served to illustrate how, in the hands of a good arranger, the differing tones of the brass quintet can be blended into one pure, harmonious sound.

We had 2 solos in the second half - a trumpet solo showed the vast array of sounds that can be produced - and the "Fnugg", in which Matthew Chinn played - and simultaneously sang - through the tuba. This amazing exhibition showed off the acoustic qualities of the Town Hall - the bowed roof and wooden floors - at its best. Then the audience were happy to clap along to the Top Sea (Top C?) songs.

I'm delighted that so many of the audience provided their names and addresses, which will allow me to post their brochures for next season's concerts. They start with the Carducci String Quartet on 27th September. Although we'll no doubt have a long, hot summer before then, I can hardly wait.

See you,


Paul