Significant Works
The below major works all have a historical significance or connection to the band. In many cases the works are performed by the band itself, but where no archive recording of Lewis Merthyr Band performing the works is available at present, we include these performances here for illustrative purposes.
If you are aware of any archive recordings of the Lewis Merthyr Band not published on this site, please contact us here
If you are aware of any archive recordings of the Lewis Merthyr Band not published on this site, please contact us here
A Gloucester Psalm
Below is a video of the premiere recording of John Golland's "A Gloucester Psalm". Golland, a master composer for brass, enjoyed a strong relationship with the band during the 1980s. The band were in fact the first band to also record and broadcast perhaps Golland's best known work, "Sounds".
"A Gloucester Psalm" was performed by the band in concert at Gloucester Cathedral itself, together with Gloucester Cathedral Choir, on October 9th, 1983. The performance was conducted by longstanding former Musical Director of Lewis Merthyr Band, Nigel Seaman.
The performance was captured on tape, and, what we believe to be the only known recording of the work, is featured in the below video, laid over images of Gloucester Cathedral.
"A Gloucester Psalm" was performed by the band in concert at Gloucester Cathedral itself, together with Gloucester Cathedral Choir, on October 9th, 1983. The performance was conducted by longstanding former Musical Director of Lewis Merthyr Band, Nigel Seaman.
The performance was captured on tape, and, what we believe to be the only known recording of the work, is featured in the below video, laid over images of Gloucester Cathedral.
The English Maiden - Eric Ball
The English Maiden was the set work for the 1951 National Championships of Great Britain which were held at the Kings Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester on Saturday September 22nd. The contest was won by Lewis Merthyr conducted by Mr Oliver Jones. This was the band's second consecutive national title, Lewis Merthyr having won the Third Section title the previous year, a tremendous achievement, particularly for a newly promoted band. This recording features the GUS Band conducted by Keith Wilkinson in 1980. The full results of the 1951 Second Section National Championships can be found at brassbandresults.co.uk/contests/national-finals-second-section/1951-09-22
The English Maiden was the set work for the 1951 National Championships of Great Britain which were held at the Kings Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester on Saturday September 22nd. The contest was won by Lewis Merthyr conducted by Mr Oliver Jones. This was the band's second consecutive national title, Lewis Merthyr having won the Third Section title the previous year, a tremendous achievement, particularly for a newly promoted band. This recording features the GUS Band conducted by Keith Wilkinson in 1980. The full results of the 1951 Second Section National Championships can be found at brassbandresults.co.uk/contests/national-finals-second-section/1951-09-22
Indian Summer - Eric Ball
Indian Summer was the set work for the 1950 National Championships of Great Britain which were held at the Pagoda Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester on Saturday September 23rd. The contest was won by Lewis Merthyr conducted by Mr Oliver Jones off a Number 2 draw. After winning the 1950 championships, the band went on to be promoted to the Second Section the following year, and incredibly went on win the Second Section National Championships of Great Britain in 1951, a truly unique achievement. The below recording features Harry Mortimer's All Star Brass. The full results of the 1950 Third Section National Championships can be found at brassbandresults.co.uk/contests/national-finals-third-section/1950-09-23
Indian Summer was the set work for the 1950 National Championships of Great Britain which were held at the Pagoda Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester on Saturday September 23rd. The contest was won by Lewis Merthyr conducted by Mr Oliver Jones off a Number 2 draw. After winning the 1950 championships, the band went on to be promoted to the Second Section the following year, and incredibly went on win the Second Section National Championships of Great Britain in 1951, a truly unique achievement. The below recording features Harry Mortimer's All Star Brass. The full results of the 1950 Third Section National Championships can be found at brassbandresults.co.uk/contests/national-finals-third-section/1950-09-23
