The Concert Arban (jury), heart and soul of the competition. (+ Bernard Soustrot and Jean-Pierre Mathez)
Bernard Soustrot
The Jury
Mark Evans (tuba), Marcel Landowsky (composer), Théo Mertens, Maurice Benterfa, Bernard Soustrot, Maurice André (hidden: the Concert Arban)
Programme
The International Brass Quintet Competition (which will be bi-annual — next one in 88 !) is the centrepiece of the event. This year it was intended for professional ensembles of the highest standard (from the outset the set programme was merciless). The seven quintets taking part guaranteed an exceptional and enjoyable standard in this musical test of strength. (The organisers may in future opt for two categories: "high professional standard" and "high student standard".) Various public musical events clustered round the competition — concerts, musical workshops, instrument makers' exhibitions — helping to make Narbonne the capital of the brass world for that week.
Concerts
All the concerts, superbly balanced in content, played to full houses. On Monday 5th May Bernard Soustrot, Michel Bes, Maurice Benterfa and François-Henri Houbart (organ) sounded a brilliant overture to this brass week from the organ loft in the amazing cathedral. The next day the Claude Bolling Big Band filled the Palais du Travail.
On 7th May it was the turn of the Concert Arban (the brass quintet consisting of Thierry Caens and Jean-Paul Leroy (trumpets), Eric Vernier (horn), Yves Favre (trombone) and Michel Godard (tuba)) to display their musicality. It was also a challenge as this group was responsible for the competition programmes and served as jury. The candidates listened with rapt attention to this ensemble which had "judged" them and whose average age was the same as their own. Everyone agreed on the Arban quintet's triumph.
Appeal
To simplify applications for ensembles interested in the 1988 competition, BRASS BULLETIN appeals now to all brass quintets who would like to be kept up to date on preparations and programmes when they are known.
Send us the name of your quintet, the name of the organiser and the names of the players right away. We will set up a special information file. Address: BRASS BULLETIN, c.p., CH-1630 Bulle, Switzerland.
Finally, on 9th May Maurice André, as great as ever, in superb form, rounded off the event in dazzling style. What is there left to say about Maurice André? Only that he does not cease to amaze us with the ever greater subtlety of his performances and with his total technical mastery; only that we are increasingly moved by hearing him risk his all to make his musical message even more sublime.
Workshops, exhibitions
Taking advantage of the magnificent historical surroundings, the organisers set up a workshop with the Concert Arban and an instrument makers' exhibition (Courtois, Couesnon, Selmer and Yamaha) and specialist shops (Degironde from St. Etienne and Feeling Musique from Paris).
Maurice André, a sublime and friendly presence in Narbonne
Competition results
1st prize
Anonymous Brass Quintet of Budapest
(see pages [...] )
3rd equal:
International Brass Quintet (FRG)
Opera Brass Quintet (Hungary)
The jury's choice was determined by the musicians' awareness of really playing "chamber music" and, of course, by the quality of their performance.
The prizes consisted of considerable sums of money, recording a compact disc and setting up a concert tour.
The Budapest Opera Orchestra Brass Quintet
International Brass Quintet
Future prospects
Bernard Soustrot will continue (after this success he has little option !) to provide confident guardianship for the destiny of this event, so valuable in promoting brass. The competition is to become bi-annual, to return in 1988 (at the same time of year).
A wider programme (and the presence of Maurice André already assured) will make Narbonne a privileged meeting place for brass lovers and for all enthusiastic musicians.