Grimethorpe Colliery Band 'Nimrod' from 'Enigma Variations'

[sebedobbins]

This is without a doubt one of the best songs I've ever heard. I played this years ago and it brings back memories and keeps me going. When I need a moment I just listen to this.

[link0867]

Just performed this song today..

[pickytoria1]

class class class

[TheNigelc8]

6 Dislikes, are they f...ing mad

[jttrumpet55]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. JT

[Fenno2166]

Can't stop my forearms tingling when I listen to this. This is what England is all about!

[GrantDavidGreenham]

first class playing, truly wonderfull. grant greenham.

[ancientraver19881989]

No true Englishman with any soul can fail to be deeply moved by this piece of music.

[Tinners44]

Stop whining and listen to MUSIC!!!!! My God, how can you not appreciate this performance??????????? Dr I K Tinsley.

[curlyjim2550]

@Tinners44 Well said Ian, well said.

[jaceybus]

If you make a direct comparison of this redering with the Berlin Phil's under Karajan the question of slow speed hardly arises. HvK takes a mere seven seconds longer which in the scheme of things is nothing. This version too slow? No I don't think so and beautifully interpreted and played into the bargain.

[PedanticTed]

I'm from Barnsley, currently living in Chester while studying at the university. This makes me feel at home :)

[funkfactor1]

@PedanticTed are u a brass player? know of a few local bands looking for players at the mo, 4th section to top section.

[PedanticTed]

@funkfactor1 I'm not a brass player, I concentrated my efforts on classical guitar and banjo. You play?

[tigerarmyrule]

Proves, if proof were needed, that a great bras band can carry off great orchestral music with the finesse adn panache of any orchestra. Lovely.

[electricdixie34]

Went to see these last night in my local school in cudworth near barnsley .5 miles from grimethorpe....FANTASTIC all i can say LIVE... never herd owt live b4 well not like that anyway..

[whitburnyouthband]

superb piece of music

[electricdixie34]

@pickytoria1 yes i agree!!

[clockerfeet]

This is a wonderful sound embodying everything that is inspiring in brass-band music. This band make all that they play immortal !

[gandalfharrow1954]

Great, I have just spent most of the evening listening to versios of this, from Peer Richard Comte on the Wanamaker organ in the USA to this. This one made water come to my eyes. As others have said" takes me back to my Yorkshire roots"

Great

[oscarsnr]

Oh that is stunning. And moving, obviously. I can report that the great Northern England cultural export is alive and well here in NZ.

[darkslayer106]

Apparently, Eric Ball would talk to anybody. No airs/graces. He once came to Blackpool Citadel to preach ( I was 8 or 9 yr old at the time) Cornet solo 'Clear Skies' was a classic.

[lodengreeneyes]

Lovely!

[SuperGordon59]

Fabulous music fabulously played. Where are all our great brass bands

[Paulol100]

This makes me so home sick for the (Sheffield) Derbyshire Yorkshire Border and the moors ... Gods Country indeed and I miss brass bands marching down our street on a Sunday and Whitsuntide

Ann in Canada

[TheShamus7]

like like like like like. A wonderful English piece of music. always played at soldiers funerals and gives me bloody goosebumps. good post x

[tommobwejuu]

Absolutely brilliant piece of music! As a Cornet and Trumpet player this is probably one of the best pieces of Music ever written..... I'll wipe the tears off my cheeks now! Breathtaking!

[euphoniumtillidie]

Obviously, this is absolutely fantastic, and as per usual, brilliantly played, by a brilliant band, BUT surely this should be a whole lot slower?! Is it just me that thinks that? Pretty sure that it is written at 40something bpm? Who am I to say this, but I just always thought it to be a lot slower

[curlyjim2550]

@euphoniumtillidie Hmmm. I think it's all down to personal taste. Elgar originally scored it at 66bpm, then later lowered it to 52. In my own personal view, any slower and you run the danger of turning it into a painful dirge.

There is also the fact that brass players have to breathe unlike string instuments and if you played it any slower, it wouldn't flow as well.

[u3i98]

@curlyjim2550 string players have to breathe too!

[TheNakerz5]

@u3i98 *facepalm*

[trentmuch1]

@euphoniumtillidie

No, you're not alone here. This is far too quick. The piece played here is too awfully demanding, rather than being the dutiful piece intended.

Needs to speed up to fulfil its own promise of Awe and Elegance!

[NeuronRage]

Love this piece. We are doing it in our band, but some people have no idea how to count. It's easy, but when played correctly, it is amazing...

[MrStan1941]

Always a very moving piece to hear and to hear it played well

[Deodanth23]

3 people can't solve the Enigma.

[shellburn1960]

Beautiful! and superb dynamics! so moving!

[HughGarrette]

I'm so proud of my northern heritage! my grandad was in burnage brass band, and taught me the cornet.

[tankthetuba]

I would guess at the principal cornet being Roger Webster

[Slowmo118]

Does anybody know who's playing principal cornet on this video? thanks

[curlyjim2550]

@Slowmo118 It was recorded in 2000, so the principal cornet would be the excellent Richard Marshall.

[ozziavi80r]

One of the greatest arrangements of this piece, Eric Ball did a fantastic job. Having played this piece, and listened to it numerous times, I still continue to enjoy it today :) thanks for posting!

[curlyjim2550]

@ozziavi80r Eric ball was indeed a wonderful arranger but this was arranged by Dennis Wright.

[ozziavi80r]

@curlyjim2550 Apologies! :) But thank you for uploading this!

[MrAlastair39]

Not a Music buff ,but a Barnsley lad ,you can hear passion,pride and yorkshire men playing instruments with love in their hearts.

Sad to loose the pits ,but there memories will stay on in the music they so lovingly play .

Cheers fellas always leaves me with a lump in my throat and not a dry eye.

[quinten04]

Elgar wrote that for a friend of his.. Must have been one hell of a friend!

[blueinbarca]

@quinten04 I believe he was a German friend,Elgar was a manic depressive with an inferiority complex because he was from Worcester and not London.

Apparently he was on the point of giving up composing music in a dark moment and this friend convinced him not to.This is the result and very appropriate too!

[huntriss]

That's the thing about Brass bands. My dad got me into the music as a kid through watching the film Brassed Off, and I've had a love affair with ever since. Now my dad recently had some major health issues and listening to the music he got me into makes me cry as I remember the words he once told when I was about 8: "Listen to that son; only real people make music this good. Never forget it."...And I never will Dad. - Real people make real music.

[curlyjim2550]

@huntriss What a lovely and touching story. I really hope your Dad gets well soon, he sounds like a man who is as passionate about brass bands as I am.

'Real people making real music' I like that, just about sums, up the brass movement in this country. As an aside, I was one of the many extras involved in the making of Brassed Off. A lot of standing about but I loved every second of it.

All the best to you and your Dad.

[TOASTIEfeet]

@huntriss thanks for posting this, now I am an ex-pat this sort of music just epitimises good ole blighty and brings a hug lump to my throat. Your Dad is so right only real people make music this good. I hope your Dad makes a speed recovery he sounds like a great chap. Best wishes.

[LongLostAmerica]

@huntriss - I love this post!

[niljen12]

@huntriss

Hi, I'm Flemish and sort of grew up with Brass Band music, as my dad played in one. Even though I don't play an instrument myself, I have always loved music. Lots of different types of music too.

My dad is no longer with us, but his cornet is sitting proudly on a shelf in my living room.

Ah memories...British Brass Bands were the best! I was in the Royal Albert Hall october 1980 and saw Brighouse and Rastrick win the Championships...How can I ever forget?

[blueinbarca]

@huntriss I can almost hear your Dad saying it in a Yorkshire/Northern accent:

"Now listen son,Real People Make Real Music"!

Great story.thanks for sharing it.While I'm at it,that would actually make a great title for a film or even a book! :-)

[checkpoint9]

Lovely!!!

[Polistotle]

Unusually subtle, nuanced performance for a brass band. Truly a superior ENSEMBLE in the fullest and best sense of that word.

[gregord33]

Yorkshire's national anthem,tha tell's thee,shut thee eye and you're on top 'o moors near ilkley,by eke sither!

[Frantic1947]

prefer to have Elgar's music as the national anthem

[rma913]

Whew...that change of dynamics between 3:00 and 3:10 slays me every time.

[ianpokermansmith]

smashing pet! Ruddy good that!

[arizonastrip73]

One day, before I die, I will visit the British Isles and feel the presence of my ancestors. To do that I will visit as many towns and hamlets who proudly boast a brass band, and I will feel the pride of being one of them.

[margatelad]

@arizonastrip73 Going to see them at bradford uk on the 14/10/10 cant wait

[arizonastrip73]

@margatelad You are envied beyond your wildest imagination. Please enjoy them for me, as well. Kindly, arizonastrip73.

[normthehat]

That key change at 2.54 clutches at the heart.

[wizeoaldowl]

@normthehat What key change? I tested it out and the key doesn't change. A key change would, however, clutch at the heart, like you said.

[robert140602]

Utter beauty.

Makes me glad to be alive.

Bravo.

[Missundaztood91]

I much prefer this by a brass band. Sounds miles better.

[125wake]

I am fortunate to be training for ordained ministry, and on Remeberance sunday this very nband play this piece intheir own parish church. When the sacred host is place on an old soliders hand with this playing to ths side of you . You know that there is a greater person who is out there greater than you and me.

[chindit83]

the miners and their injustices will not be forgot and these men are why, there are more than dirty working classes. from ex kent miner bettshanger play on yorkshire miners, play on/

[betojorra]

such a beautiful song...

[lxqGO]

I love how this sort of music brings together right-minded people. Pop/Hiphop brings together wrong-minded people.

Power to Peace :)

[twoslices]

Hear this and think of England.My favourite piece of classical music.

[twoslices]

wonderful

[ronaldosucks1]

whats wonderful about this performance is that they are all english men good and true playing it--no on else on the planet could recreate that emotion

[MrAlastair39]

Played with a yorkshire accent ,you can feel strengh,character,honour and pride played in these instruments ,all that is Yorkshire was reflected in their music.

Proud to be a Barnsley lad and an even prouder Yorkshireman

Lovely ,and thankyou .

[chazsmateII]

@MrAlastair39 "Played with a Yorkshire accent" What a brilliant observation. You are absolutely right.

[Tabourba]

Curly Jim - the only word I can add to what you've said above is 'inspiring'.

Many thanks for uploading it for us all.

[tractorwheelies]

I love this piece too, it is amazing. Even more so when you're watching live, and all the hairs stand on end on the back of your neck. Shame it's a little rushed, but it's still amazing.

[pugwashsecond]

We all breathe the same air,

Live in the light of the same Sun,

See the same Moon and Stars,

Such a pity that we can't all live together in Peace,

On this little lifeboat in The Universe we call Earth.

The association of this piece of music and Rememberance Day always brings a lump to my throat when I think of all the souls who gave their lives that we can now listen to it, in freedom.

Yet as wars continue, it just feels like we haven't learnt anything from the past.

[zarakhast]

My mum and dad got married to this tune, rather than the more traditional Wedding March (Wagner I think, I might be wrong. Perhaps it was Mendelsohn : very beautiful pieces of music both). Grimesthorpe Colliery Band certainly could (can ?) do justice to beautiful music.

[jmccracken1963]

What a WONDERFUL performance (as with ALL of the performances by Grimethorpe Colliery Band that I have listened to)!!!!! Thank you VERY much for sharing this with us - like many of us "Yanks," my introduction to British brass bands and to this band in particular was via the outstanding Mark Herman film BRASSED OFF! Any scene from that film says more about music and life and why we do what we do than the whole of MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS.....

[two1065]

I'm so sorry, but I do not understand all the jingoistic nonsense associated with Elgar and his music. He was a superb composer and from what I can gather about him he would have hated to have been associated with "Great" Britain and warfaring. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

[bobareebop]

@two1065 One of the best descriptions of Elgar I have heard comes from the 1962 film by Ken Russell: " Full-blooded romantic, drum-beating patriot, and religious visionary". Patriotism notwithstanding, I understand that he was deeply disturbed by World War 1. The England he lived in when he wrote P&C #1 and the England of "Land of Hope and Glory", although maybe 15 years apart, were very different.

[michaldrevnak]

I always loved this composition ... Its simply perffect. You can hear the stable land in the wild sea ... the peace all humans should have inside.

[harryfaber]

Absolutely peerless, both the Band and the music.

[normthehat]

A beautiful version. That change of key at 2.10 to 2.20 almost always brings tears to my eyes - specially when played by a brass band with this full timbre

[MrWebbal]

After spending 12 years out of the uk, this is one piece of music that makes me proud to be from the home land. Thank God soon I`m returning home after attempting to put the world to right in some of the most unforgiving countries.

[curlyjim2550]

@MrWebbal After 12 years away you'll no doubt find that there is a hell of a lot to put right here too sadly, but music like this inspires me to believe that it's not all bad and there is hope.

[joelwhitaker]

@curlyjim2550 It's a shame really that one day these bands, all that is left of my familys industry, will be gone too unless they find new members. That will be a truely sad day.

[ericbelify]

@MrWebbal This music enables me to understand what "noble" means as is unexpresable in words. Its simple, unencumbered harmonies come straight from the heart of Elgar. And makes me very proud that my Great Grand Mother was British. And although I am an American, I feel a deep connection to this music through my heratige of which I am proud.

[tubamarc8891]

Great blend... The low brass just sets up such a strong foundation to build the chords upon and the mid and upper voices just know what to do with it. This is definitely a world class group.

[grubyub]

@tubamarc8891 agreed, low brass in this nail it

[RyaZila24]

this is really nice

[hopsangel]

Yorkshire's finest.

[carolinegraaacehsock]

Touching music, pulls at the chains of my heart. As an american, let me say that through two world wars and god only knows whats ahead, we will always love the British. Our culture, our values, our way of life, or so much of it including great music like this we owe you. Peace.

[curlyjim2550]

@carolinegraaacehsock Great music has no boundaries. Thanks for your lovely comments.

[blobby1972]

@carolinegraaacehsock yes thankyou for you very touching comments .

[kevandsue50]

@carolinegraaacehsock Thank you Caroline for such a lovely comment x

[jhill74893]

@carolinegraaacehsock thankyou for your kind comments and I hope both our countries will continue to have close ties and that our friendship is strong enough to be able to speak openly and freely about where mistakes have been made in the past. Friends forever.

[varti1]

A wonderful rendition of an amazing piece. How sad you had nopercussion to add to the drama, but welled played

[ericbelify]

How lucky we are to be alive and to hear such things

[persluchtboy]

great music really lovely i always watch the parade at the cenotaph and it always put`s me in my place and i think how lucky we are that the generation before our parents took it up to deliver us from evil and they lost so many so please keep remember them because when people stop thinking about you when your gone your really dead and these heroes can`t be forgotten..

[curlyjim2550]

@persluchtboy With commerations such as those at the cenothph, and Elgar's evocotive and stirring music, they never will be forgotten.

Thanks for your thoughtful comment.

[BanlawProducts]

To Quote; A superb performance of one of the best pieces of music ever penned.

Find me someone to argue and you've found a fool. Nimrod is awesome.

[curlyjim2550]

@BanlawProducts I quite agree Sir. Music to stir the soul. Thanks for your comment

[iamjacksdesign]

Oh wow, I've never seen this one on YouTube. I was fortunate enough to play this with my collegiate brass choir at our state's annual convention this winter. It's such a wonderful piece, and we also got to play Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez and Song of the Volga Boatman. All wonderful pieces and really fun to play with a Brass Choir.

[curlyjim2550]

@iamjacksdesign Thank you. Yes, I agree, they are all fine pieces.

[TheJezza1]

I am mate mi dad n grandad wa miners i still live in the miners house at side ov the old pit

[TheJezza1]

I'm so proud to say im a grimethorpe lad, i can still remember them playing this darn pit its fantastic !

[joelwhitaker]

u from a mining family then..........this is the only bit of the insustry left now in Britian is the brass bands.

[chazsmateII]

@joelwhitaker Not quite mate. There's: several museums, some preserved pit head gear, a handful of winding engines, a mass of capped shafts, a load of coppers who paid their mortgages off with the overtime and the Bands. No jobs, no communities and no hope and the bitch is still alive. Our day will come. 

[joelwhitaker]

@chazsmateII i know but the people in power will never get em goin again.......that´s the worst bit about it all.......theres still tons of coal down those pits, my family used to work Tilmanstone in Kent and Ifton near Chirk north wales.

[curlyjim2550]

@TheJezza1 Sad the industry was decimated, but at least the music still lives on.

[TheJezza1]

darn pit listening to this was truley mint !

[Jojo45885]

fantastic absoulutley loveeee it. =)

[Grockle1345]

Astoundingly good...

superb, sensitive performance...

I love it

[chazsmateII]

Grimethorpe Colliery Band 'Lament to an Industry' from 'Enigma Variations'

[200374]

beautiful, absolutely - makes me very proud to be Briish, written by an Englishman and played by English northern folk.

[harryxxxxxriley]

Magnificent! Tugs at the heart strings. I only allow music into a small part of my life but this makes me realise just what I have been missing.

[Ian1951b]

Superb! Beautiful beyond words.

[runescaperox5]

im playing this in 8th grade band on the trumpet. :)

[curlyjim2550]

Great stuff. It's a lovely piece to play

[euphoniumD1]

beautiful

[hopsangel]

These are brilliant live.  I'll be seeing them in Wakefield next February. Thanks for posting this.

[curlyjim2550]

I'm sure you will enjot the concert. I've been to see them several times and they are phenomenal.

[kevinhaze1]

I love all music from across the board. Rock, Pop. Classical, Opera, Emo, Garage, Indi, Big band, Swing, everything. This is the 1st time ive heard a colliery band. Oh my life. What can i say.... Beautiful....... Absolutely Beautiful.......

[curlyjim2550]

Thanks for that. A lot of people regard a Brass Band as just a noise machine at the front of a procession, they don't realise that they can play with such sensitivity and feeling.

[runescaperox5]

im playing this in band :)

[tryingmybest100]

Grimey in the 70's...the best brass band that will ever be heard or seen...pride, passion, grit and humour from their hearts to our ears through the interface that is BRASS!!

[arizonastrip73]

I live for the day when I can return to the land of my fathers and witness first hand the ethereal sensation of Grimethorpe and Elgar. I pray the will last forever.

[curlyjim2550]

How very eloquent Sir.

[ericbelify]

stirring beyond words

[pj11182003]

Absolutley stunning!

[Jaegertiger]

OUTSTANDING to say the least -- so beautifully voiced and balanced throughout the entire performance -- doing full justice to such a spectacular composition. B R A V O

[carbonlarge]

Simply stunning.... :o)

[lumineye08]

beautiful. Takes me back to the 70s playing for the st. ives town band in national competition. Not quite as good as these guys are though!!

[debs2604]

beautifully performed - had the pleasure of seeing and hearing them perform at Sheffield City Hall a couple of years ago - spent most of the concert in tears - such moving music - well done guys xx