0:00:02 > 0:00:06Last week on BBC Young Musician 2012,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Yuanfan Yang's stunning performance clinched victory
0:00:09 > 0:00:11in the keyboard category final.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17But who will claim tonight's trophy?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Welcome back to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
0:00:47 > 0:00:48in Cardiff
0:00:48 > 0:00:52for the second of this year's BBC Young Musician category finals.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Tonight, the spotlight's on the brass category,
0:00:55 > 0:00:56and there's a bit of history here.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Since the competition began back in 1978,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08three brass players have won the overall title,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12including Michael Hext, the first ever winner.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22APPLAUSE
0:01:22 > 0:01:24ANNOUNCER: Mr Michael Hext.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Four years ago, another trombonist, Peter Moore,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33became the competition's youngest winner, aged just 12.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37APPLAUSE
0:01:37 > 0:01:41So this year's five brass finalists have a lot to live up to,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and it's not going to be easy.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Each has just 20 minutes to prove they've got what it takes.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50That's a lot of pressure!
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Four are going to go home bitterly disappointed,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56but whoever wins tonight also bags a coveted spot in the semi final,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59taking them one step closer to the main prize.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Probably the most important contest in the world for young people.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10It gives these performers such a fantastic platform.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13I remember watching it thinking, "It would be great to do that."
0:02:13 > 0:02:15ANNOUNCER: Peter Moore.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18The exposure provides many things.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20It's an amazing experience.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23It's a great start to your professional career.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- It really does open doors for people. - My life has been changed.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43It's a very important competition.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48I wouldn't be here right now if I hadn't won it. It's amazing.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57So, for any young classical player, this is the competition to win.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00But BBC Young Musician isn't your average talent search
0:03:00 > 0:03:02you've got to be grade 8 or above just to enter.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06So, by this stage, the standard really is top class.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Here's a quick reminder of how the competition works
0:03:09 > 0:03:11and how our five brass finalists made it this far.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Over 450 musicians applied.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Only 25 have made it to this stage - the category finals.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29That's five for each of brass, woodwind, strings,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32keyboards and percussion.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35They now compete for a place in the semi final, bringing them
0:03:35 > 0:03:41a step closer to the coveted title - BBC Young Musician 2012.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Just three will then make it through to the final,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50which takes place at The Sage, Gateshead on 13th May,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52broadcast on BBC Two.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56There they'll perform full concertos with the Northern Sinfonia,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59conducted by acclaimed maestro, Kirill Karabits.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04In a short while, our first brass players will make this
0:04:04 > 0:04:07nerve-wracking journey onto the stage.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14It's the culmination of years of hard work and dedication,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17not to mention the support of family and teachers
0:04:17 > 0:04:19who'll be cheering them on tonight.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22So, let's meet our five brass finalists.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29First will be 16-year-old Jonny Bates,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32an E-flat tenor horn player from Huddersfield.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34To be here at brass finals is a huge honour.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41To win would be stunning, but to not go through would be understandable
0:04:41 > 0:04:45because you're up against some of the finest young musicians in the country.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51Next, it's 16-year-old trumpeter Ela Young from Blackburn.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58If I won it, then it would just be amazing. Yeah, it's very exciting.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01I've never had the opportunity to do something like this before,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04so it's all new, and good fun.
0:05:07 > 0:05:1018-year-old Chris Dunn is next, a tuba player from London.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17I'm hopefully going to play my best and not muck anything up too badly.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21I've got relatively good at controlling my nerves,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23so I think I'll just make myself enjoy it.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Then it's Lizzi Tocknell, an 18-year-old French horn player
0:05:29 > 0:05:31from Church Stretton.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35It's amazing to have got this far. It's a special feeling.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38It's the sort of thing I dreamt about when I was nine or so.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43I think if I won the brass category, I would be very, very happy.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48And last on, it's 16-year-old Alex Kelly,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50a bass trombonist from Altrincham.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55When I first went in for the competition, I didn't give it much thought.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I just thought it would be a great experience.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02But, as I've got further through, it's really become really important.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I'll be terrified when I first walk out,
0:06:05 > 0:06:10but I'm hoping after the first passage, it should calm down.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Five brilliant young musicians.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Only one will go through to the semi final.
0:06:23 > 0:06:287.29pm. Musical battle is about to commence.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Preparations are over and our five finalists
0:06:38 > 0:06:41are waiting nervously backstage here in the Dora Stoutzker Hall.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44They know that to win, and make it through to the semi final,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48they've got to pull out all the stops to impress those judges.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54On the panel tonight, Gareth Jones, conductor and founder of Sinfonia Cymru.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58It's the musician you're after rather than the technician.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02You have to have a real conviction in the programme that you've put forward, and believe in it.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Naomi Atherton, winner of Young Musician's brass final in 1984,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13now a soloist and Principal Horn at Manchester Camerata.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15You can be the best player in the world,
0:07:15 > 0:07:17but if that doesn't come across to the audience,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20then there's no point, really.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24So I'm looking for that person that's going to just grab me.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31And David Childs, winner of Young Musician's brass final in 2000,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34now one of the finest euphonium soloists in the world.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37It's quite a physical thing to press a piece of metal
0:07:37 > 0:07:38against the lips for 20 minutes
0:07:38 > 0:07:44and deliver a musical performance, so I think stamina will come into play.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51So, there they are, tonight's daunting jury.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Being former Young Musician competitors,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Naomi and David know what it's like to face the judges,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59but tonight the tables are turned.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03And with the unenviable task of starting the night off,
0:08:03 > 0:08:0716-year-old tenor horn player Jonny Bates is waiting in the wings.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Here at Skelmanthorpe in Huddersfield,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Jonny Bates has played the tenor horn since he was a lad.
0:08:26 > 0:08:32Music is, and has been for quite a while, my life, really.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36You get such a rush when you're playing in concerts,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38and you get a real buzz on stage.
0:08:38 > 0:08:4216-year-old Jonny was born into the competitive world of brass.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Both his parents played in bands.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47He first picked a horn up when he was 18 months or two years old,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51cos I'm a horn player and there was always a horn in the house.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52He could manage to produce a note,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54but the horn was nearly as big as him at that time!
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Over the years, Jonny's won shelf-fulls of trophies.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02The Harry Mortimer Award is probably the biggest accolade
0:09:02 > 0:09:03a young brass soloist can win.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07It's a fantastic achievment to win this, so I was over the moon
0:09:07 > 0:09:11and obviously when he got back, we took him out for a celebratory curry.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15But not everyone thought Jonny's success was something to be proud of.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17People did really take the mickey a bit
0:09:17 > 0:09:21when I was at my previous school, because classical music,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24amongst teenagers, it's not really a big part.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Most people like listening to pop, R&B, all the modern stuff.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30But the more they tried to dig into me,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34the more I thought I'm going to dig out, and actually prove that
0:09:34 > 0:09:38classical music, there is a way for it in modern teenage life.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40Ignoring the jibes,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Jonny's dedicated his life to the world of brass.
0:09:43 > 0:09:49He attends Leeds College of Music and is already a published composer.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53I'm working on a tenor horn concerto with orchestral accompaniment.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56This is probably my favourite bit of the piece that I've written.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59This is the theme that comes at the beginning of the second movement.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01MUSIC PLAYS
0:10:03 > 0:10:05The concerto would first be performed
0:10:05 > 0:10:08if I got through to the Young Musician final in May.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12To be able to stand there and play my own music
0:10:12 > 0:10:15with an orchestra like that on TV
0:10:15 > 0:10:18would just be an absolute dream come true.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25Johnny's formative years were spent playing in the Thurlstone band.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Now, at just 16, he conducts their training band,
0:10:28 > 0:10:33passing his love of brass onto a new generation of beginners.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Marching Saints, and I'm going to start at the top. One, two, three...
0:10:37 > 0:10:40THEY PLAY "WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN"
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Although he still supports the Thurlstone band,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Johnny's sights were set a little higher.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53He always said right from the outset that he'd love to one day
0:10:53 > 0:10:56play for Black Dyke Band, and as parents, you humour them
0:10:56 > 0:10:59and you think, "If you practice really hard and do really well,
0:10:59 > 0:11:00"one day that might happen."
0:11:00 > 0:11:04But I think as parents we never really felt that one day he'd play for Black Dyke!
0:11:04 > 0:11:09It's Sunday and the legendary Black Dyke Band is heading for Crawley.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13This morning, a lot of us have been up since about 5.30am,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and we're only just getting down to the concert venue at about 12,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19so you do spend quite a lot of time on coaches.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24At the Hawth Theatre, over 2,000 fans have rolled up.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27To be part of Black Dyke is a huge honour.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31The buzz you get at concerts, you get full halls all across the country,
0:11:31 > 0:11:35it's the stuff of dreams when you're a beginner, really.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39Winners of 22 national titles and current English champions,
0:11:39 > 0:11:43Black Dyke claims to be the most successful brass band in the world.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46To be a Black Dyke, you've got to have a passion, and a real belief,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49and the starting line is you've got to be a great player.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53In the seven years that he's been playing,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Johnny has had a meteoric rise.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59It's just as well he ignored those teenage sceptics.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07What I'd say to people that really doubted classical music
0:12:07 > 0:12:10when I was at school is that if you want to work for something,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12it can take you anywhere.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19APPLAUSE
0:12:20 > 0:12:25So, has the competitive world of brass banding prepared Johnny for this?
0:12:25 > 0:12:30It's only the second time a tenor horn has been featured in Young Musician.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33It's not really an orchestral instrument,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35but adjudicator David Childs will be familiar with it
0:12:35 > 0:12:40as his roots are in the brass band world, too.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15APPLAUSE
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Really difficult task for anyone to open a category
0:15:21 > 0:15:24like Jonny Bates has had to do on his E flat tenor horn,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27but interesting to hear that instrument. It's such a rarity.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31You definitely wouldn't normally expect it in this category,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33and I think he made a pretty good start.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36He looks pretty nervous, but maybe he'll settle into his next piece.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58APPLAUSE
0:17:58 > 0:18:03September Fantasy by Eric Ball, the Mozart of brass bands.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06And Jonny is going to close now with a real challenge.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11My finale is a modern piece by Philip Sparke called Capricorno.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15The last note I play is the highest note I play in the entire performance,
0:18:15 > 0:18:20so getting up to that top E flat right at the end, I'm dreading but looking forward to.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59APPLAUSE
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Well, Jonny certainly overcame his nerves there.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10He must have done well in the note-per-minute count,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14but what will the judges make of his performance?
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Beautiful, beautiful sound he has. Really liquid sound.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24What an amazing technique. He can certainly get around the instrument.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26It must be very nerve-wracking to kick the whole thing off.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29You were first up. Were you nervous beforehand?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Yeah, I was, but at least it's now over and done with
0:22:31 > 0:22:34so I can go and relax now. It was a really good experience.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Just about perfect, really. Great experience for him.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41You know, he's hopefully brought the tenor horn to the forefront
0:22:41 > 0:22:43and people can understand what a wonderful instrument it is.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Absolutely delighted with the performance.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Well, the bar has certainly been set high by Jonny.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Stepping out next is trumpeter Ela Young.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06Here in Lancashire,
0:23:06 > 0:23:1016-year-old Ela Young is back from boarding school...
0:23:10 > 0:23:12with her trumpet.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16It's just lovely and bright and it's really clear
0:23:16 > 0:23:20and it sounds, like, really beautiful when you're listening to it.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23People do, like, kind of see it as a macho instrument,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26but I've never really thought of it in that way.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29It's just kind of been what I love doing.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34I think women play just as well as men do on these kind of instruments
0:23:34 > 0:23:37and there shouldn't be any kind of stereotypical view on it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47It's rather surprising that at Ela's house, a woman's place is in the kitchen,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50but that's only because it doubles as a rehearsal space.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53I play in the kitchen because the acoustics are the best place
0:23:53 > 0:23:56in the house, and sometimes my mum will be cooking
0:23:56 > 0:24:00or the dog will be there growling or barking when I play.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03He's normally all right with that!
0:24:03 > 0:24:05When she's in school for three weeks, I can't wait for her
0:24:05 > 0:24:09to come home and start playing because it's so quiet.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12I miss them playing, practising.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Especially Ela because she's always so loud.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Ela's family live in Blackburn.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26But at the age of eight, she and her sister
0:24:26 > 0:24:30set their hearts are going to Chetham's Music School in Manchester.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33When I was younger, I hated going and boarding.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37I was ringing home every night on the phone, just crying, "Take me home."
0:24:37 > 0:24:39But it's probably a good thing
0:24:39 > 0:24:43because I've learnt to be independent and absolutely love it there now.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47In school, some traditions have been assigned to the past.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51At the big band rehearsal, female trumpeters outnumber the lads.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55I've been told that I don't look like a trumpet player,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58but I think that once people hear me play then they realise
0:24:58 > 0:25:04that it's not just how you look, like, what you should be playing.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07And two, and...
0:25:09 > 0:25:11A tempo.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Ela's teacher, Tracey Redfern,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17took part in BBC Young Musician 18 years ago
0:25:17 > 0:25:21and has first-hand knowledge of the pressures contestants have to face.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25It's just that unknown, something you've never encountered.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27One of the things I've been saying to Ela,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29she thinks I'm a bit mad, but in her own practice,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32try and put as much pressure as you come onto yourself.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Imagine, even if you have to play with your eyes closed,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38that you have a camera here, a camera there and lots of hot lights.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43To add to the pressure, Ela's doing a lunchtime recital for the public.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48And her number one fan is in the audience - her dad.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Letting Ela live away at music school may have been hard,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55but the rewards are certainly evident now.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57My parents are incredibly proud of how far I've got,
0:25:57 > 0:26:02and it's kind of an ongoing topic when I'm at home or over the phone,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05we talk about it a lot and they're very, very proud of how I've done.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12APPLAUSE
0:26:14 > 0:26:17So, taking the stage now it's 16-year-old Ela.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22I think going out onto the stage to play is going to be pretty nerve wracking.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24I've had this kind of thought in my head
0:26:24 > 0:26:29that if I just go out there and nail that first bit, the rest will follow.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31So hopefully I'll be able to do that.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19APPLAUSE
0:29:19 > 0:29:22It must be very nerve-wracking for Ela out there,
0:29:22 > 0:29:24but she has got moral support.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26I've brought my mum with me.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30She's in the audience, so, yeah, I think she's very excited about that.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34She should be. I think she's going to be, hopefully, pleased with it.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38I think she'll be pleased whatever I do, so... Very excited to be here.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13APPLAUSE
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Well, it certainly takes guts to stand there
0:31:18 > 0:31:21and play completely unaccompanied, as Elzbieta's just done.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25Again, she seemed incredibly confident and assured.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59APPLAUSE
0:34:01 > 0:34:04A proud day for Ela's mum, there.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07In her 20-minute programme,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Ela also played Concert Scherzo by Arutunian,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12but has she impressed the jury?
0:34:17 > 0:34:20She picked out such a difficult programme.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22I think any professional trumpeter
0:34:22 > 0:34:24would struggle to have nailed that 100%.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I loved the way that she stood facing the audience.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29She looked at everyone as if she really wanted to show us
0:34:29 > 0:34:31exactly what she could do. It was great.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34The last two pieces, the Enesco and the Arutunian,
0:34:34 > 0:34:39were altogether much more successful and showed off her good qualities.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- It's over. How does it feel?- Really good. It's quite nerve-wracking.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45I was a bit shaky, but I'm really happy with it in general.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47I don't think it could've gone better.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51When Elzbieta stopped playing, when I saw big smile on her face,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I knew she did well
0:34:54 > 0:34:57and that was enough for me, to see her smiling.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01So, two of our brass finalists are breathing sighs of relief.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Three have yet to face the judges.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07French horn player Lizzi Tocknell, bass trombonist Alex Kelly,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09and up next, tuba player Chris Dunn.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15The tuba's not exactly famous as a solo instrument,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19so it'll be very interesting to see what Chris has up his sleeve.
0:35:27 > 0:35:3018-year-old Londoner Chris Dunn
0:35:30 > 0:35:34has been playing the tuba since he was 11.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Well, at that age it was big and shiny and it looked really cool.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42'The size of the instrument didn't even cross my mind when I started.'
0:35:42 > 0:35:46I've only realised in the last few years that I'm going to spend
0:35:46 > 0:35:48the rest of my career playing the tuba
0:35:48 > 0:35:51lugging things around the streets of London.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56It is regarded as an oompah comedy marching band instrument,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59but instruments like the tuba
0:35:59 > 0:36:01that aren't considered solo instruments
0:36:01 > 0:36:03can perform to the same ability.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10Chris attends London's Junior Guildhall every Saturday,
0:36:10 > 0:36:14where his tuba playing has won the gold-standard Lutine Prize.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24'I couldn't really imagine life without music.'
0:36:24 > 0:36:27It's become such an integral part of my life.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Even with other things I've been doing,
0:36:30 > 0:36:34it's still the most important thing.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42I'm just playing rubbish, aren't I?
0:36:42 > 0:36:46Can we...? We may as well just go from double bar,
0:36:46 > 0:36:47the key signature change.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53Chris's teacher reckons a career in music could be his for the taking.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55'He has got what it takes to be a professional.'
0:36:55 > 0:36:58He's got the drive and attitude.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59He's got a very level head
0:36:59 > 0:37:02and he makes a great noise on the instrument.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Those are messy.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09They need to be much more nimble.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11HE WHISTLES MELODY
0:37:11 > 0:37:12- Yeah. - # Da, da, dee, dee... #
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- Do you think doing it on third would work?- Nah.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Back home, Chris duets with his mum Isabelle,
0:37:22 > 0:37:24a harpist for the English National Ballet.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27His dad plays violin at the English National Opera,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31so music's in his blood.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38I suppose he has assimilated a lot
0:37:38 > 0:37:40of what we do as musicians ourselves,
0:37:40 > 0:37:45and we've certainly encouraged and supported him as necessary.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I think it's wonderful that he's managed to get this far.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51He's done marvellously.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03# Hello, hello, hello, hello
0:38:03 > 0:38:07# I've got a little baby, but she's out of sight... #
0:38:07 > 0:38:11At Alleyn's School in London, Chris is a musical all-rounder.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14If the 1900s had Westlife, we'd be that.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18Yeah, we are the boy band of the school.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19Yeah, definitely.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- It's cos we're the heartthrobs. - Well, with a face like that...
0:38:23 > 0:38:25LAUGHTER
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- Never get paid for it though.- No, we need to find something that pays.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34With his tuba playing and singing, you'd have thought Chris
0:38:34 > 0:38:37would follow his parents into the music industry.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40But he's got a serious dilemma.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41What we're going to do today
0:38:41 > 0:38:45is look at the contraction of muscle fibres in practice.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Music isn't Chris's only love.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49He's also studying for medical college.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Chris is at a really difficult crossroads in his life.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56He is a unique talent within the school.
0:38:56 > 0:38:57As well as being good enough
0:38:57 > 0:38:59to go to medical school
0:38:59 > 0:39:01and hopefully become a doctor,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04he's going to have a lot of soul-searching to do in the next few weeks.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07'My parents have been good because they've encouraged me
0:39:07 > 0:39:11'in whichever direction I want to go.'
0:39:11 > 0:39:15They've told me music is hard, it's not an easy option out.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20Mm, decisions, decisions! Medicine or music?
0:39:20 > 0:39:24It's a tough choice, and one which has caused Chris mixed emotions.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27If BBC Young Musician goes well,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30I'll definitely have to think hard
0:39:30 > 0:39:33about what I'm going to be doing in my life.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35It provides so many opportunities as a player
0:39:35 > 0:39:38that I wouldn't get if I went to medical school.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42So, it'll be a real decider if I do well.
0:39:48 > 0:39:5118-year-old Chris about to play.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55Could this performance change the direction his life is going in?
0:44:50 > 0:44:53APPLAUSE
0:44:56 > 0:44:58Very expressive playing
0:44:58 > 0:45:01of that Vaughn Williams Romanza by Chris Dunn.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04In terms of performance, for me, this is the best so far
0:45:04 > 0:45:06because he is playing completely without music.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09He feels much more connected to the audience.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12Much more engaged, and although it's an incredibly difficult thing
0:45:12 > 0:45:16for the bass tuba to really sing out as a solo instrument,
0:45:16 > 0:45:18he's certainly giving it his all.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22The next piece I am going to play for you is called Fnugg,
0:45:22 > 0:45:26which is a Norwegian word meaning something small and weightless,
0:45:26 > 0:45:27like a snowflake.
0:45:28 > 0:45:34And...it uses two techniques on the tuba. One is multi-phonics.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37Like a didgeridoo, you create chords.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40And the other is a lip-beat, tuba beatbox.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Fnugg is probably, definitely my favourite.
0:45:43 > 0:45:47It is a great fun piece to play.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50I play it quite a lot and I know it really well.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53I think it also really shows off a really interesting side
0:45:53 > 0:45:56of the tuba, a really cool side, so it's definitely my favourite.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36APPLAUSE
0:49:40 > 0:49:41Wow.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44It's bizarre enough to hear a bass tuba as a solo instrument,
0:49:44 > 0:49:47let along one that's also being beat-boxed into.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51But he did that brilliantly. It was clearly a complete tour de force.
0:49:51 > 0:49:54Very strange sound for the audience, and certainly the judges
0:49:54 > 0:49:59looked a little curious at certain points, but he did it beautifully,
0:49:59 > 0:50:02and I really feel that his performance so far
0:50:02 > 0:50:06is the most accomplished. He feels the most engaged with the audience.
0:50:08 > 0:50:10In his varied programme,
0:50:10 > 0:50:14Chris also played Sonata For Tuba And Piano by Salzedo
0:50:14 > 0:50:17and Norwegian Dance by Grieg, but was it life-changing?
0:50:21 > 0:50:27The unaccompanied piece Fnugg was terrific. It sounded damn hard to me.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29And it was very, very impressive indeed.
0:50:29 > 0:50:33He drew everyone in and he spoke, which was wonderful,
0:50:33 > 0:50:35and he had no music, and I liked that.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38I liked the way he communicated with the audience.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40Talk about a contrasting programme.
0:50:40 > 0:50:45- To go from the Vaughan Williams to the beat-boxing number.- Yeah!
0:50:45 > 0:50:48How does it feel to be out there? How do you think it went?
0:50:48 > 0:50:50Terrifying, slightly.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52It is scary out there, but it was really good.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55I was generally happy with how I played.
0:50:55 > 0:50:56A couple of duff bits,
0:50:56 > 0:50:59but I think the programme on the whole came over quite well.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01That he did everything from memory was such a great thing
0:51:01 > 0:51:05and, yeah, I think we are all absolutely thrilled with him.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07I think I was much more nervous than him.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13Well, Chris certainly made an impression there.
0:51:13 > 0:51:17He's going to be a tough act for 18-year-old Lizzi Tocknell to follow.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31Here at Church Stretton in Shropshire,
0:51:31 > 0:51:34the hills are alive with the sound of music
0:51:34 > 0:51:38which is just the way Lizzi Tocknell planned it from an early age.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41I was surrounded by music from when I was very young.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44I'd heard the horn in a concert and absolutely loved it.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47In year six, when I was leaving primary school,
0:51:47 > 0:51:50we all had to stand up in assembly and say what we wanted to do with our lives.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53I stood up and said I wanted to go to music college and be a horn player.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01Nope, it's not the Von Trapps, it's the Tocknell family band.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03Ever since primary school,
0:52:03 > 0:52:0518-year-old Lizzi's worked tirelessly
0:52:05 > 0:52:07to make her French horn dreams come true.
0:52:10 > 0:52:14It's really nice to play with my mum and dad, and my mum's accompanied me
0:52:14 > 0:52:17for quite a long time, so I've got used to working with her.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20Probably, sometimes, we are not quite as polite to each other as you would be.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26The Tocknell household is a very creative place.
0:52:26 > 0:52:31Even the dress for Lizzi's Young Musician performance was hand-crafted by her sister Rachael.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33Just putting a couple of adjustments on it,
0:52:33 > 0:52:37cos you want it to be absolutely secure when she is performing.
0:52:37 > 0:52:40Yeah. Cos I haven't played the horn in it in public before, so...
0:52:40 > 0:52:43I am really pleased that she's chosen to wear it,
0:52:43 > 0:52:45it's quite exciting.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47It probably took a couple of weeks, I guess.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51- It's pretty tightly stitched.- Yes.
0:52:51 > 0:52:54I think having the one shoulder is also quite good for horn playing
0:52:54 > 0:52:56because that sort of fits in with the shape,
0:52:56 > 0:52:58the way she holds the horn.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02I really love this dress. It made me really happy when she made it.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14Lizzi attends Wells Cathedral School in Somerset,
0:53:14 > 0:53:17where the packed timetable suits her dedication to music.
0:53:17 > 0:53:22I'd get up around seven, for early-morning practice
0:53:22 > 0:53:26at eight o'clock in the morning, and on Tuesdays I have ensemble,
0:53:26 > 0:53:29ten-piece brass ensemble and then wind ensemble.
0:53:29 > 0:53:34It is not really a work ethic thing, it is just what I enjoy doing.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39Which is just as well because, on top of all the ensembles,
0:53:39 > 0:53:43Lizzi has three lessons a week with her horn teacher, Simon DeSouza.
0:53:45 > 0:53:51That's brilliant. Make sure you play those semi-quavers just as neatly as you played the other ones,
0:53:51 > 0:53:56leave a little gap before them. And it's like a little military fanfare.
0:53:56 > 0:54:01She's got masses and masses of natural talent.
0:54:01 > 0:54:03She is very determined.
0:54:03 > 0:54:07And where she might sometimes come across as quite shy and reserved,
0:54:07 > 0:54:11there's a tremendous core of steel in there.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18Although Lizzi's very music focused,
0:54:18 > 0:54:22she still finds time for a spot of "domestic science" with her mates.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27Because it's boarding school, you make friends really fast
0:54:27 > 0:54:29cos you're with them all the time.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31You see all the musicians quite a lot more
0:54:31 > 0:54:35- and you're in ensembles with them. - The younger ones as well.- Yeah.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38Often that is good fun, so you get to know people through that.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41CHEERING
0:54:42 > 0:54:47- Oh, it's dripping.- Does it taste good?- Mmm. Definitely edible.
0:54:50 > 0:54:54Just time for one more ensemble before lights out.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58Really get that "da-da" really short.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04Thanks to Lizzi's determination, the goal she set herself
0:55:04 > 0:55:06way back in primary school is finally within sight.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10I did music college auditions this year and I was really pleased.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14I got a scholarship to the Royal College of music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama,
0:55:14 > 0:55:16and Royal Academy and a place at Trinity College of Music.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20It was quite overwhelming that they all wanted me.
0:55:22 > 0:55:27Music is very, very important to me. I cant imagine living without it.
0:55:28 > 0:55:29ALL: Oi!
0:55:29 > 0:55:31That's more like it.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34APPLAUSE
0:55:34 > 0:55:38Well, Lizzi planned this moment five years ago, when she was just 13.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40Her strategy seems to be working so far,
0:55:40 > 0:55:44but one thing you can't plan is the jury's verdict.
0:55:48 > 0:55:49PIANO BEGINS TO PLAY
0:57:29 > 0:57:33APPLAUSE
0:57:33 > 0:57:38A cheeky little number there, and something quite unusual coming up next.
0:57:38 > 0:57:41'The second piece I'm playing is called Lamento d'Orfeo
0:57:41 > 0:57:44'and it's by Kirchner. It involves playing into the piano.'
0:57:44 > 0:57:47I sort of stand back and obviously because the horn's bell
0:57:47 > 0:57:49points backwards anyway, I don't have to turn round.
0:57:49 > 0:57:54I just point it into the lid of the piano and my accompanist
0:57:54 > 0:57:57holds the sustain pedal down so that the strings are free to vibrate.
0:57:57 > 0:58:00So whenever I play a note, it resonates within the piano
0:58:00 > 0:58:03and it creates this quite eerie sound, really.
0:58:03 > 0:58:04And if it works,
0:58:04 > 0:58:08the sort of feeling of tension with the audience is quite special.
1:02:52 > 1:02:57APPLAUSE
1:02:58 > 1:03:01Very interesting choice of programme from Lizzi Tocknell.
1:03:01 > 1:03:03She's very compelling to watch on stage.
1:03:03 > 1:03:05She looks absolutely beautiful.
1:03:05 > 1:03:08I know she's in her lucky dress that her sister made for her.
1:03:08 > 1:03:10That's great to see in this brass category,
1:03:10 > 1:03:13which is so often characterised by bruising lads,
1:03:13 > 1:03:15if you know what I mean.
1:05:28 > 1:05:31APPLAUSE
1:05:35 > 1:05:37Lizzi's teacher, Simon DeSouza,
1:05:37 > 1:05:39looks very pleased with her performance,
1:05:39 > 1:05:42but will the jury be equally impressed?
1:05:47 > 1:05:51Very, very assured playing and I liked the way she used the stage,
1:05:51 > 1:05:54going to different places to play different bits of music.
1:05:54 > 1:05:59I particularly liked her second piece, the contemporary work,
1:05:59 > 1:06:02where she was utilising the resonance from the piano strings.
1:06:02 > 1:06:04It made for a real contrast within her programme.
1:06:04 > 1:06:07- Any particular highlights? - The second piece, I think.
1:06:07 > 1:06:09Why did you choose that piece?
1:06:09 > 1:06:12It's obviously very dramatic in terms of the logistics on the stage?
1:06:12 > 1:06:18I thought it was something a bit different and dramatic,
1:06:18 > 1:06:19but still, it's a modern piece
1:06:19 > 1:06:22and avant-garde, but it's still really great music.
1:06:22 > 1:06:26It affects people, it affects everyone that hears it.
1:06:26 > 1:06:29It was fantastic. Lizzie played superbly.
1:06:29 > 1:06:31That's what we wanted to hear tonight,
1:06:31 > 1:06:34hear her play her absolute best that she can
1:06:34 > 1:06:35and I think that was it.
1:06:35 > 1:06:37It was wonderful.
1:06:40 > 1:06:42Well, if Lizzi can make the piano resonate,
1:06:42 > 1:06:44there's a good chance our last competitor
1:06:44 > 1:06:45will make the whole hall shake,
1:06:45 > 1:06:48armed, as he is, with a bass trombone.
1:07:01 > 1:07:0416 year old, Alex Kelly, is having a kick about with his mates,
1:07:04 > 1:07:07but they're not your average bunch of teenagers.
1:07:07 > 1:07:10We've got Dom Hayles, a trombonist, in net,
1:07:10 > 1:07:13Patrick, who plays the cello.
1:07:13 > 1:07:15Florian, who's also a cellist.
1:07:17 > 1:07:18One sec...
1:07:22 > 1:07:25Then we've got Mathis, who's a jazz pianist.
1:07:25 > 1:07:28They're all from Chethams Music School,
1:07:28 > 1:07:30where Alex is studying bass trombone.
1:07:30 > 1:07:33Most of the time, we do live in a bubble at music school.
1:07:33 > 1:07:35I'm not totally consumed in music.
1:07:35 > 1:07:38I do have another life, a double life.
1:07:42 > 1:07:46Alex may love his footie but, back at school, he's in work mode.
1:07:48 > 1:07:49For budding musicians,
1:07:49 > 1:07:51choosing which instrument to dedicate your life to,
1:07:51 > 1:07:56can be an agonising decision, but, for Alex, it was easy.
1:07:56 > 1:07:57I was six or seven.
1:07:57 > 1:08:03I heard a big band on the radio and I loved the sound of it
1:08:03 > 1:08:06and the swingy coolness of it.
1:08:06 > 1:08:09One day, my parents and I went to the music shop
1:08:09 > 1:08:12and I had a go on a saxophone but my teeth weren't big enough,
1:08:12 > 1:08:16so, I chose the next biggest thing in the shop, which was a trombone.
1:08:16 > 1:08:17I haven't looked back.
1:08:22 > 1:08:26Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. There's so little for me to say now.
1:08:26 > 1:08:29Alex, that was spot on with those little B flats.
1:08:29 > 1:08:30Just what we want.
1:08:30 > 1:08:34Let's do the start of that again, to get the idea of it,
1:08:34 > 1:08:37then there's somewhere to go.
1:08:37 > 1:08:39There's no shortage of role models for Alex.
1:08:39 > 1:08:42He sits directly opposite Peter Moore,
1:08:42 > 1:08:44winner of BBC Young Musician 2008.
1:08:46 > 1:08:47He's an amazing player.
1:08:47 > 1:08:49He can play things which no one else can.
1:08:49 > 1:08:52Everyone tries but no one else can.
1:08:52 > 1:08:54It's just awe inspiring to be in a group with him
1:08:54 > 1:08:56and hear how he plays.
1:09:01 > 1:09:04Alex's bass trombone is already in demand.
1:09:04 > 1:09:07He's principal at the National Youth Orchestra,
1:09:07 > 1:09:09but playing solos is something of a novelty for him,
1:09:09 > 1:09:12because there's hardly any repertoire written specifically
1:09:12 > 1:09:13for his instrument.
1:09:22 > 1:09:24Always got a smile on his face.
1:09:24 > 1:09:27We have a bit of a laugh in lessons but the serious bit,
1:09:27 > 1:09:30he does really take seriously.
1:09:30 > 1:09:31A model pupil.
1:09:35 > 1:09:38Only place to watch is that ya-da-da.
1:09:38 > 1:09:41Make sure you don't rush the quavers there.
1:09:41 > 1:09:44Sit back on it a little bit. Give yourself more time.
1:09:44 > 1:09:45Don't hurry through the phrase.
1:09:47 > 1:09:49Alex boards at school,
1:09:49 > 1:09:53but at weekends, he and his brother, who's also a Chets pupil,
1:09:53 > 1:09:55swap musical excellence for ordinary life.
1:09:58 > 1:10:003 nil!
1:10:00 > 1:10:01On a Saturday afternoon,
1:10:01 > 1:10:04when they've finished rehearsals at school,
1:10:04 > 1:10:07they'll leave their instruments there and then come back here.
1:10:07 > 1:10:09We have Sunday as family day, don't we?
1:10:09 > 1:10:13We try and do something that is more fun.
1:10:13 > 1:10:16They'll chill out on the Xbox or will go for a walk.
1:10:17 > 1:10:21There has to be another part of your life, as well.
1:10:21 > 1:10:23They need to rest.
1:10:23 > 1:10:25It's a rarefied atmosphere at school,
1:10:25 > 1:10:28so they try and get normality when they come back here.
1:10:28 > 1:10:34- Come on!- Skill.- Yes!
1:10:34 > 1:10:37Although bass trombone hasn't taken over his life entirely,
1:10:37 > 1:10:40Alex seems to be heading for music's Premier League.
1:10:41 > 1:10:45I'm really, really pleased I'm in the category final.
1:10:45 > 1:10:48It's a massive achievement and I'm really proud.
1:10:48 > 1:10:49Just hope I play well, really.
1:10:51 > 1:10:55Taking the stage now, it's Alex Kelly, our final competitor.
1:10:55 > 1:10:59He'll be only too aware of how high the standard's been tonight
1:10:59 > 1:11:01and what he's got to beat.
1:14:18 > 1:14:20APPLAUSE
1:14:23 > 1:14:27Really confident opening there from Alex Kelly -
1:14:27 > 1:14:32I think, for my money, they've been very evenly matched so far in this category.
1:14:32 > 1:14:35It's really hard for the judges to choose between them
1:14:35 > 1:14:41but my money would be on him, because I feel like he's really got the perfect combination of...
1:14:41 > 1:14:43He's very assured. He's playing a lovely programme.
1:14:43 > 1:14:46He feels very engaged with the audience,
1:14:46 > 1:14:49and he's got a really wonderful expressive tone from that bass trombone,
1:14:49 > 1:14:52so...we'll see. I might be proved wrong.
1:17:31 > 1:17:34APPLAUSE
1:17:37 > 1:17:40That was Barcarolle et Chanson Bachique,
1:17:40 > 1:17:43with Alex giving it his all, by the looks of it.
1:17:43 > 1:17:46The last piece I'm doing is the Concerto in One Movement
1:17:46 > 1:17:49by Alexey Lebedev. It's such a fantastic piece,
1:17:49 > 1:17:53and it really brings out the bass trombone style, really.
1:17:53 > 1:17:58It's quite low, loud and powerful. Just what a bass trombone is.
1:20:20 > 1:20:22APPLAUSE
1:20:26 > 1:20:29Well, Alex certainly worked hard out there -
1:20:29 > 1:20:32but was it the winning performance the judges are looking for?
1:20:38 > 1:20:42What a warm player. You just felt like he cared about every single note that he played,
1:20:42 > 1:20:44and he had a lovely warm sound as well.
1:20:44 > 1:20:47There's a kind of generosity to him as a performer -
1:20:47 > 1:20:52it's big, warm playing, for one so young as well.
1:20:52 > 1:20:54It was really amazing to me to hear
1:20:54 > 1:20:56how expressive and how lyrical this instrument can be,
1:20:56 > 1:20:59because you often don't think about brass instruments
1:20:59 > 1:21:01in that sort of range. Was that a deliberate feeling for you,
1:21:01 > 1:21:04that you wanted to show off what the trombone was capable of?
1:21:04 > 1:21:07I really wanted to show off that the bass trombone can be really loud,
1:21:07 > 1:21:10but it can also be really soft and lyrical.
1:21:10 > 1:21:12I think it's a mistake if people think
1:21:12 > 1:21:16that all brass instruments are just loud and brass... Brash, even!
1:21:16 > 1:21:19There's a softer side to us as well.
1:21:19 > 1:21:22- My foot was tapping all the way through it.- Yeah. I thought it was really good.
1:21:22 > 1:21:25Similar to giving birth. Just as agonising!
1:21:25 > 1:21:28But, you know... OK, wasn't it?
1:21:28 > 1:21:33Well, we've heard five terrific performances in tonight's brass category final,
1:21:33 > 1:21:36but only one of them can go through to the semi-final.
1:21:36 > 1:21:38And it's time now for the jury to decide.
1:21:41 > 1:21:42Making the decisions...
1:21:58 > 1:22:04So, a really high standard again this evening for the brass final,
1:22:04 > 1:22:08and I think this is going to be quite a tough one to call, really.
1:22:12 > 1:22:14Jonny Bates, who played first. Your thoughts?
1:22:14 > 1:22:18Well, blimey, couldn't he get round the instrument?!
1:22:18 > 1:22:21He went out with all guns blazing, didn't he, with the Ellerby?
1:22:21 > 1:22:24MUSIC: Concerto for Tenor Horn by Martin Ellerby
1:22:24 > 1:22:27I was really impressed with some of his lyricism as well.
1:22:27 > 1:22:32Maybe the nature of the instrument, with its lovely velvety sound,
1:22:32 > 1:22:34when it was in the sort of fast, rhythmical interplay
1:22:34 > 1:22:37between him and the piano
1:22:37 > 1:22:40sometimes I felt that we kind of lost him occasionally...
1:22:42 > 1:22:45We then had Ela Young, trumpeter.
1:22:45 > 1:22:47Boy, she chose a tough programme.
1:22:47 > 1:22:49Unbelievably tough.
1:22:49 > 1:22:52Yeah, and I think she did suffer a little bit from the nerves,
1:22:52 > 1:22:56and I think it made it very difficult for her just to kind of relax and breathe.
1:22:56 > 1:22:58MUSIC: Legende by Georges Enesco
1:23:04 > 1:23:06What she did well, she did extremely well.
1:23:06 > 1:23:08Fantastic projection,
1:23:08 > 1:23:11and what a stage manner as well, she came on and owned the space.
1:23:11 > 1:23:15I thought there was a lot to admire.
1:23:16 > 1:23:18Then followed by Chris Dunn,
1:23:18 > 1:23:20tuba player.
1:23:20 > 1:23:21Lovely programme.
1:23:21 > 1:23:23Yeah, I thought he did really well.
1:23:23 > 1:23:25I particularly liked his Fnugg, that was a bit of fun.
1:23:25 > 1:23:30He sort of drew you into his world, didn't he? His character really came out.
1:23:30 > 1:23:32MUSIC: Fnugg by Oystein Baadsvik
1:23:35 > 1:23:39But what knocked me out most was that he was the only player
1:23:39 > 1:23:41that came on with no music this evening.
1:23:41 > 1:23:44It was impressively secure.
1:23:44 > 1:23:47It was, but it does make you more vulnerable to little mistakes
1:23:47 > 1:23:48and memory lapses,
1:23:48 > 1:23:51and maybe he was a victim of that at times.
1:23:53 > 1:23:55We then had a horn player,
1:23:55 > 1:23:56Lizzie Tocknell...
1:23:56 > 1:24:00I loved the Kirchner, where she played into the piano.
1:24:00 > 1:24:02It was very effective, wasn't it?
1:24:02 > 1:24:05MUSIC: Lamento d'Orfeo by Volker David Kirchner
1:24:06 > 1:24:08The Kirchner was the highlight for me
1:24:08 > 1:24:12in that programme. It showed so many different colours,
1:24:12 > 1:24:15not just with the hand stopping and the resonance in the piano
1:24:15 > 1:24:16but everything else.
1:24:16 > 1:24:21Do you think she maybe missed a trick by not going for something a little earlier somewhere in the programme?
1:24:21 > 1:24:25- Yeah - I would have liked to have heard some Beethoven, or something like that.- Yeah.
1:24:28 > 1:24:30Finally Alex Kelly, bass trombonist.
1:24:30 > 1:24:33I loved his playing, I must say.
1:24:33 > 1:24:35Sort of big, generous, lovely warm sounds,
1:24:35 > 1:24:39but never really compromised the actual tonal quality.
1:24:39 > 1:24:43MUSIC: Concerto in One Movement by Alexey Lebedev
1:24:46 > 1:24:51I was a little concerned, looking at the programme on paper,
1:24:51 > 1:24:52that maybe it was within himself,
1:24:52 > 1:24:56but he was all over the instrument, and real emotion as well.
1:24:56 > 1:24:57It really grabbed you.
1:24:57 > 1:25:04- I felt that he just really cared about the music. Every single note of it counted.- Absolutely.
1:25:08 > 1:25:11While the judges deliberate... the punters speculate.
1:25:13 > 1:25:17I thought one and two performed rather than just played their music,
1:25:17 > 1:25:19and they sort of lifted it and made me want to listen.
1:25:19 > 1:25:22I'd say, the bass trombonist.
1:25:22 > 1:25:25Just a fantastic technique, and amazing intonation.
1:25:25 > 1:25:27Everyone's done really, really well, so they're all winners.
1:25:27 > 1:25:31I know it's a cheesy phrase, but...they've all done ever so well.
1:25:31 > 1:25:33Well, it's been another wonderful evening of music making,
1:25:33 > 1:25:36thanks to our five brilliant young brass finalists,
1:25:36 > 1:25:39all of whom are anxious to find out if they've won.
1:25:39 > 1:25:41To put them out of their misery and announce the name
1:25:41 > 1:25:45of the second of our BBC Young Musician 2012 semi finalists,
1:25:45 > 1:25:48it's David Childs.
1:25:48 > 1:25:49It's been an extremely close decision.
1:25:49 > 1:25:54There really were two people that could have won this evening,
1:25:54 > 1:25:58but of course there can only be one. So without further ado...
1:26:00 > 1:26:04..the winner of the BBC Young Musician 2012 brass category final...
1:26:06 > 1:26:08..is Alexander Kelly.
1:26:12 > 1:26:14CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:26:38 > 1:26:42Alex, congratulations! That's fantastic. How does it feel?
1:26:42 > 1:26:44- It's great!- Were you expecting that? - No.
1:26:44 > 1:26:48It's great for bass trombonists everywhere.
1:26:48 > 1:26:51Sounds really cheesy, but...
1:26:51 > 1:26:55hopefully more people will take it up now. Really pleased.
1:26:55 > 1:26:56Really happy.
1:26:56 > 1:26:59You know, he's a young lad,
1:26:59 > 1:27:01there's great maturity to his playing,
1:27:01 > 1:27:03beautiful sound...
1:27:04 > 1:27:07It was a really tough decision, because it was very, very close,
1:27:07 > 1:27:10but I think in the end it was Alex's musicality that won out.
1:27:10 > 1:27:14Just the warmth of the way he played. It was fantastic.
1:27:15 > 1:27:16Well done.
1:27:17 > 1:27:20You can take on the world now.
1:27:20 > 1:27:25The way that he created the passion in the final piece he played, in the louder dynamics,
1:27:25 > 1:27:26really drew you in.
1:27:26 > 1:27:28Proud mum. How does it feel?
1:27:28 > 1:27:30Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
1:27:30 > 1:27:35You just expect everybody's children to win, and when you hear your child's name it's just incredible.
1:27:35 > 1:27:38How do you think you'll celebrate, you two?
1:27:38 > 1:27:41I'm just going to go to sleep. I'm so tired!
1:27:41 > 1:27:44Well, you deserve a good rest.
1:27:44 > 1:27:48Enjoy this elating moment - I'm so happy for you. Congratulations.
1:27:56 > 1:27:58Well, huge congratulations to Alexander who we'll be
1:27:58 > 1:28:00hearing from again in three weeks' time,
1:28:00 > 1:28:05when coverage of BBC Young Musician 2012 switches over to BBC Two, for the semi final.
1:28:05 > 1:28:07But before that, don't forget to join me
1:28:07 > 1:28:09here again on BBC Four next week,
1:28:09 > 1:28:12when it'll be the turn of the strings category finalists
1:28:12 > 1:28:14to show us what they're made of.
1:28:14 > 1:28:16Here's a little taste of what you can expect.
1:28:21 > 1:28:23Playing of astonishing maturity for one so young.
1:28:23 > 1:28:25Well, she obviously loves playing the violin.
1:28:25 > 1:28:28It was all wham, bam, out there.
1:28:28 > 1:28:30Fantastic playing. Beautiful programme.
1:28:30 > 1:28:32There were some really beautiful moments.
1:28:32 > 1:28:35I was just on the edge of my seat for the whole performance.
1:28:36 > 1:28:39He's a wonderful violinist, no doubt about it.
1:29:14 > 1:29:17Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd