No analysis needed here. No deep thoughts to be examined. That was fun, pure and simple.
Buzz Brass came to Abbotsford and left us wonderfully entertained. It was a joyful performance right from the opening Fanfare to the moment they took their bows amid the strains of the Hockey Night in Canada theme.
And, oh, how we needed that. At a time when we are distressed daily by the news or simply turn away from a media environment that raises our blood pressure and raises little else, two hours of Buzz Brass were a delightful remedy.
This is in no way to minimize the quality of their musicianship. Where I sat, the French horn was aimed directly at me. Having heard all my life what a difficult instrument the French horn is to play, I marveled at the agility of Angelica’s playing.
It was educational as well. From Sylvain Lapointe, we learned the mouth technique employed by brass musicians. From the other Sylvain, namely Arseneau, we felt viscerally the low range of the bass trombone.
We learned about the background of the music and the lives of the composers. I’m still trying to picture Erik Satie walking in the rain protecting his umbrella under his velvet jacket.
Their feature Brass in Time had us all engrossed in identifying the snippets chosen randomly by audience members. Backstage after the concert, Sylvain A. repeated how impressed he was by your ability to nail so many of them.
I have, over the course of many reflections on performances, commented on the many ways in which the experience of live music enriches our lives. Sometimes its main contribution is simply entertainment, and on Thursday evening at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, that felt just right.
John Wiebe - President
The Valley Concert Society