3BA Concert Brass (Conductor: Erik Janssen) -

Lovely opening from Janssen and 3BA. Captures the mysterioso.

Good ensemble and a well balanced sound - just the odd occasions of insecurity in individual lines.

Tuning issues occur in tutti textures which detract, and there is some scrappiness - but percussion is excellent.

The presentation of the Bach isn't flawless, but there's some good changes in style. There's a bit of a lack of focus in the texture.

The quieter textures show some fragilities here, with the odd clip, and intonation issue between open and mutes players.

A nice transition to the agitato - but some inaccuracies are apparent, and textures are a bit mishandled, with a lack of depth to the band sound.

Not a bad go at the swing, and as we go into the chorale there is some good individual playing, but the ensemble isn't always fully balanced - with some of the dynamics being a bit overzealous in their effect.

A good ending finishes a mixed performance from 3BA. There were moments of excellence but ensemble issues may detract today in a very strong field.