NYSB Bulletin Fall 2022 | Page 10

under heaven …”. Throughout the nearly 15-minute work NYSB seemed to have this well in hand , from the tricky runs and mixed-meter passages of the opening to the massive climax of the finale chorale theme . This was a musically satisfying performance , and the audience was truly appreciative in their applause to close the half .

The second half opened with Andrew Wainwright ’ s The Risen King . Written for the Eastern Michigan Divisional Band , this is a newer work ( premiered in 2019 ) based on the modern hymn Come People of the Risen King . After this , our soloist returned for his remaining contributions , ‘ Neath Dublin Skies by Paul Lovatt-Cooper and a world premiere duet by Andrew Wainwright , My One Foundation . The latter , based on the hymns Aurelia and I ’ m in His Hands , was commissioned by Amsterdam Staff Band ’ s Principal Euphonium Michel Rosenquist in tribute to their principal cornet , Steef Klepke . As with many projects during the pandemic , it was to be premiered via virtual duet with NYSB principal Euphonium , Aaron VanderWeele . This evening the audience heard it in person , with Mr . VanderWeele joined by Mr . Childs . Both soloists aptly demonstrated why they are ambassadors of their instrument , their style and sound blending seamlessly throughout the beautiful obligato writing by Mr . Wainwright .

For his sixth and last selection of the evening , Childs ’ stamina and technique is once again showcased in Graham ’ s Brilliante . We never lost sense of the tune ( a fantasy on Rule Britannia ) despite the sheer number of notes . Lance and NYSB remained sensitive accompanists to Childs , as they had all night , staying flexible and in control despite the excitement of the music . Childs navigated the ending in the expert fashion we have come to expect , and rightly earned a lengthy standing ovation from the audience to end his portion of the program .

Lastly , we were treated to two works by James Curnow , How Sweet the Name and Trittico . How Sweet featured the excellent singing qualities of the band , only this time , “ singing ” is meant literally . As their beautifully blended voices filled the space , the listener was left with little doubt as to why this group performs so well together . The last work , Trittico , presented one final test for NYSB . The first variation , a scherzo , presented syncopated figures in the low band against the hymn theme Consolation in the upper band . The second variation featured several solo sections , and we could forgive any small slips that occurred within the band , being two hours into a truly memorable performance . The third variation returned to the style of the opening until a written-out cacophony brought us into a John Williamslike coda that united all three ideas . Barely had the last note finished ringing before the audience were on their feet , acknowledging the incredible playing and musicianship put forth by all during a fantastic evening .

10 ‡ ������������� FALL 2022

WWW . NYSB . ORG