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Steven Mead & Whitburn Band - Rococo Variations


conductor: Andy Duncan



Stunning lyrical playing allied to a audacious technique in great abundance on this new solo CD from Steve (release date September 12 2009). With 5 brand new arrangements, this mainly classical CD shows off the sheer beauty and passion of the sound of the euphonium, no more so than in the title track, Rococo Variations , the cello masterpiece from Tchaikovsky skilfully arranged for euphonium and brass band by the Swiss euphonium master Thomas Ruedi. This incredible work sounds almost like an original work for euphonium in this quite immense performance.Three romantic, atmospheric slow works are also going to be highlights of this disc, two of which were unearthed by the famous Belgian conductor/arranger Luc Vertommen who provided much of the musical inspiration behind the award winning 'Euphonium Virtuoso' CD.

The incredible Carmen Fantasy in a brand new arrangement by Luc sees Steve's technique at its sparkling best in between the passionate operatic melodies. Gillingham's Vintage is a big favourite of many of todays euphonium soloists and this new setting with brass band is sure to spark great interest. Canaan's Land by Peter Graham is the other major work on the disc , written for Derick Kane (ISB) a few years ago . Steve was the dedicatee of Goff Richards beautiful work Pilatus (the awe-inspiring mountain sitting overlooking Lucerne) back in 1993 and this new recording sees the work given a fresh feel and the arching melodies are just perfect for the euphonium , in the hands of our soloist.

Saint Saens' Allegro Appassionata, originally for cello is the curtain raiser on this feast of euphonium magic.



Tracks:

1 Allegro Appassionato Op.43 ..C.Saint-Saens ..LucVertommen 3.38
2 The Song of the Birds .. Trad Arr. Luc Vertommen 4.05
3 Rococo Variations ..Tchaikovsky ..Thomas Ruedi 17.26
4 Walking on Music .. Roger Deronge 6.09
5 Vintage .. David Gillingham  Arr.  Vernon Briggs 9.00
6 Pilatus .. Goff Richards 7.05
7 Canaans Land .. Peter Graham 9.14
8 The Last Sleep of the Virgin (Le dernier sommeil de la vierge) ..G. Massenet Arr. Luc Vertommen 4.13
9 Carmen Fantasy .. G.Bizet..Luc Vertommen 10.18

Total Time 73.57



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