Some absolutely amazing playing - Willebroek were great, Stavanger were absolutely superb - Fodens and Cory sparkled in their pieces - class.
But nothing compared to the two new compositions. Treize Etoiles played band 3, their piece was incredible - some of the best individual playing i have ever heard - thier soloists - Euph, Bari, Trom, Cornet, Sop etc were so impressive - but the best of the bunch was the Bass Trombone - i had no idea a bass trombone could do what that player did - absolutely phenomenal! The piece itself really smacked you in the face - so impressive, many sat near to me had that as an early winner.
Until Oberosterreich - what a performance! Their piece was incredible - such contrast, immense solo work and an absolutely rocking piece thorugh out - loved the random percussion features in the slow quiet sequences... This made the hair stand on end - quite rightly this got the largest applause - a standing ovation from much of the hall, partizans and neutrals alike - the solo playing was just a cut above - i would love to hear this again!
The two new compositions HAVE to be on the CD - they were a new chapter in the phenomenal writing of the Europeans in the past.
Overall - Willebroek were worthy winners, but a win for Stavanger, Oberosterreich or Trieze Etoiles would have been well deserved and welcomed by the spectators IMO. What a fabulous contest - i cannot wait until the farewell concert with BBOO tomorrow - cannot wait!
© by Mühlböck Webdesign 2006