TubeNet

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster here!

I'm trying to find a decent recording of Tapestry for Tuba by Michael Brand. Ideally I'm trying to find the John Fletcher recording that he did with Sun Life on the Oliver Cromwell LP - that I think my mum threw out in a fit of madness...

Has anyone got any idea where I can buy/acquire this recording or a decent alternative thereof? I'm afraid to say that I thought the two offerings on youtube are not very good at all. The main reason I'm after the Fletch recording is to try to transcribe the little improv bits he did which fitted the piece perfectly.

Many thanks.

There is a recording and score for it here:
http://gmbrand.casualrain.com/download.php?cat=10195" target="_blank

This might be Fletcher but I am not sure. Whoever it is he's very good.

I hope this helps.

Roger

Thanks, I'd forgotten that website/recording - I listened to it a few months ago. D'oh!!

I don't think it is Fletch, partly because I don't think it sounds like him, partly because it is recorded with a wind band and, AFAIK the only recording of him playing the piece is with Sun Life but also because IIRC on the recording he played a rhythm different to the published music - not that I am casting aspersions on the great man himself, I can only assume that the printed rhythm is wrong!

Still a very good recording though, I'd love to find out who is playing it?

A number of years back (c. 1985/6) I was in touch with the composer regarding this specific piece. Being pre-internet, I was able to track him down through the publisher. Michael Brand was most helpful, accomodating, and very prompt in his replies via regular post.

I have idea of Mr Brand's age nor health; perhaps contacting him might yield some positive results.

Good idea, I'll send him an email.

On a slightly OT point, I was really impressed when I contacted Thomas Stevens with a small technical question about Variations in Olden Style. I wanted to clarify the tempo of one of the movements as every recording I've heard apart from the Bobo (including the Baadsvik) do it much slower than indicated. He replied within hours with the definitive answer - unfortunately for me the movement is to be played as fast as indicated and will therefore need a good deal more work on my part!!

I was very surprised that a composer would take the time out to reply so quickly, I just hope to be able to maybe send him a recording of me doing his piece justice by way of thanks - we'll see if I can manage it!

Bandsman79 wrote:I was very surprised that a composer would take the time out to reply so quickly...

[Broad generalization alert...]
It has been my experience that composers seem to be a very helpful and cordial group when it comes to answering questions and assisting with anything involving their compositions.

Roger Lewis wrote:There is a recording and score for it here:
http://gmbrand.casualrain.com/download.php?cat=10195" target="_blank" target="_blank

This might be Fletcher but I am not sure. Whoever it is he's very good.

I hope this helps.

Roger

That would be yours truly - guesting with HM Royal Marines Band and conducted by Geoffrey Brand.
Glad you liked it!

Steve S.