AN audience at the Holy Cross Church in Crediton was treated to a Talk and Recital with Alistair Mackie on various Trumpet-like instruments with accompaniment from Andrew Millington on piano and solo Organ pieces.

Alistair regaled us with the history of the trumpet and demonstrated how the instrument worked by pursing his lips to blow into a hose pipe with a funnel as a bell for the sound output and played Jeremiah Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary”, followed by the same piece on a very tantalising teapot.

Something similar was done on “Britain’s Got Talent” last Saturday, but Alistair really showed off his talent far better!

The mellow tones of the Flugelhorn were displayed in two movements from Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto.

His breath control and technique were really well displayed.  The natural trumpet, cornet and piccolo trumpet were all given their own solo spots.

It was interesting to hear the differences and how the music became more intricate and florid once valves were introduced, doing away with the necessity for long tubes.

The modern day trumpet was exhibited on Arban’s “Carnival of Venice”; a veritable Bible method of learning for any aspiring trumpeter. 

Similar to modern day military procedures we were told, then as now, the first thing to be attacked should be any communication system.

Trumpeters in the early armies, before technology, were highly paid since they were in a dangerous position when calling their armies to advance.  I’d rather be paid less and take up the triangle! 

Andrew Millington excelled in the huge “Fantasia in G”, by Haydn, which filled Holy Cross with the majestic sound of the Harrison and Harrison organ.  His deft finger work in the fast passages was exemplary. 

The next event at Holy Cross Church is a Jazz event on Wednesday, May 8 at 7.30pm with Tim Herniman and his Hayne House Hot Five.

Included in the £15 entry will be food from the Baobab Café.  Please book using TicketSource so that we know how many to cater for or email: [email protected]  to reserve and be able to pay on the door. 

Save the date - June 15, at 7.30pm - for Summer Opera at Downes.  This will be a fundraiser event jointly in aid of ELF (Exeter Leukaemia Fund), and our Crediton Music Endowment Fund with operatic extracts from Staircase Opera.  Bring a picnic and chairs to sit on the grass in front of the terrace.

Tickets £20 from TicketSource or on the door.  See you there!

Penny Pearkes