Reviewed by Phil Thomson

From the mesmerising Paganini opening "Moto Perpetuo" to the closing strains and madness of Paul Nero's "The Hot Canary", this is a performance from the award-winning euphoniumist which exudes quality. Childs' command of his instrument is breathtaking in its range, assurance and sensitivity and he enjoys no greater support than that of his beloved Welsh ensemble, the Cory Band, themselves ranked number one in the world for the last three years. It is a potent partnership - which demonstrates here so many of the attributes which set them apart from any of their peers. Their take on the fourth movement of Carl Jenkin's 'Euphonium Concerto' positively fizzes with excitement as Childs slides and parps and almost cheekily dispenses with reverence to interpret the mystifying title "A Troika? Tidy!" Nor should you be surprised if you are moved to tears through the cadences in Howard Snell's "Oration", such is the emotional charge the partnership achieves. You'll find the same ingredients in "Hymn", one of Carl Jenkin's more reflective compositions - and for those of a lighter disposition, there is always the romance of "Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair". All in all, an absolute treat.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.