A sunny Sunday afternoon in Saltaire's Roberts Park, and what could be nicer than relaxing whilst listening to a good brass band? There is a concert in Roberts Park on most Sundays over the summer. Yesterday's was the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band, whose history goes back to the mid-1800s. They had drawn quite a good crowd.
Park bandstands were originally built for just this purpose and, whilst the summer programme offers various performances from choirs through jazz to contemporary music, in my view, a brass band is the best. The rich, loud, full sound flows out from under the roof and carries well to the audience, whereas more contemporary music has to be amplified and doesn't have the same ambience. It always cheers me that people will still put their hearts into a hobby, not just for their own benefit (though I'm sure playing in a band is both fulfilling and a good social activity) but to bring pleasure to others.
It's not the kind of music I would normally listen to, but a live performance by a brass band on a summer's afternoon is always enjoyable. I believe the domed roof of the bandstand also acts as a kind of acoustic amplifier.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bandstand, and being used in the way it was designed! How really lovely an afternoon! Sitting in the shade, I'd be!
ReplyDeleteIt is not my taste in music but I would enjoy sitting in a park listening to it.
ReplyDeleteI once listened to the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and found the music wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBandstand are relatively rare here.
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