Music: Derek Hobbs
Libretto: Mike Kirkup
Hire available: Rossleigh Music

Cantatas for mixed voices and brass band are, to say the least, thin on the ground, so the publication of "Fell 'em Doon" is a most welcome addition to both the choral and banding repertoire and could be used to great advantage when the two share the same platform.

The work was commissioned by 20,000 Voices and the Ashington Festival, with funds made available from Northern Arts. The first performance, as part of A Century of Coat, was given at the Ashington Festival, in October, 1994.

Scored for baritone, soprano and mixed choirs, the bands accompanying the voices at the Ashington Festival were Ellington Colliery Band, Gregg's Bakery Band and Wansbeck Ashington Colliery Band.

"Fell 'Em Doon" was the nickname of the first pit sunk at Ashington in 1849 and Derek Hobbs' score with Mike Kirkup's libretto reflect the many aspects of life around the pit.

The accompaniment though technically unlikely to pose any problems for bands taking this cantata "on board" will, however, need to spend some time with balance for the solo voices. There are some lovely moments, "Long Row, Cross Row", "Paint Us A Picture" and the final "Colliers' Requiem" to name but three.

This work has many performance possibilities. A first-class musical school could tackle it, so could a band and local choral society. Band concerts are often in great need of offering something new to customers. Why not try this fifty minute work as a change? The band parts are available on hire, further details from Rossieigh Music, Rossleigh House, Windsor Terrace, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, NE64 6UJ.

Dennis Wilby

Newcastle Journal

• Back to Fell 'em Doon