Force 12 - A Force of thier own
Force 12 Wind Ensemble Concert
Tues 14th October 2008
Reviewed by Mark Bradstreet
The concert began with Warwick Potter the conductor of the wind ensemble ‘Force 12’, addressing the audience with the warning - “you may like to sit further back, because it’s quite loud”. Although this humorous introduction was soon met with the pure force, of ‘Force 12’ itself. The volume and power produced by this wind ensemble was amazing, and definitely not the sort of thing that an audience member would wish to displace themselves more so from.
Before anything else, I must comment on the energy and interest that Warwick Potter instils in an audience member through his role as conductor. His physical intensity in participation with the music throughout only emphasized the quality of the performance, and drew audience members closer.
The wind ensemble began with the ‘Second suite in F’, by Holst, which was a suitable and appropriate choice for the mostly classically trained musicians that the ensemble consists of. The ensemble played the four movements within this piece with charm. Amongst these movements was a wonderful tone that resided from the flutes, and some strong and consistent contribution from particularly all horns and trumpet players, but also the entire ensemble.
After the close of the first work, Warwick Potter again addressed the audience in a humorous fashion – “This is to prove that classical musicians can also play jazz.” Much of the audience broke into light laughter, though I had a feeling at that time that Warwick Potter had not intended this solely as a joke, and spent the rest of the concert supporting his comment with the tight and well rehearsed performance that Force 12 produced for the 3 jazz influence works that were to come. ‘Sinatra in Concert’ arranged by Nowak, was next to be performed, followed by ‘Big bands in concert’ arranged by Lowden and finishing with Gershwins ‘A symphonic Portrait arranged by Barker.
These three works were bright, powerful and engaging, and it would be hard to negatively criticize their performance. The saxophones I must say excelled in quality and tone colour during the more jazz inspired pieces, and their presence was predominantly more noticeable and of importance. During ‘Big bands in Concert’, the trombones, eupho and tuba all played consistently and very effectively in collaboration with rest or the ensemble. While during ‘A symphonic Portrait’ the clarinets and oboe were critical in the depiction of themes and mood portrayal.
Last but definitely not least are the percussionists who performed to a high standard, and were definitive in their ability to produce energy in their playing styles. The physical involvement of some of the percussionists and their music was an effective way to add an engaging visual element for the audience to appreciate. On a final note the wind ensemble Force 12 and conductor Warwick Potter produced a delightful and engaging concert, and I hope in future I am given the privilege to see them perform again.