James Shephard – Cornet legend

People tell me I don’t talk enough about trumpet playing on here. I suppose I should, really, as that is what I do for a living. Actually, aside from my trumpet duties with the RLPO, I am the Principal Cornet player. The cornet is used extensively in the orchestral repertoire, perhaps notably by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Berlioz Rimsky-Korsakov, Debussy and Stravinsky. Indeed, by many other composers too; particularly in ballet music, for some reason. These parts are often more technically demanding and often more fun than the trumpet parts.

I have wanted to write some articles about British cornet players and playing, especially of yesteryear, for some time. After a brief conversation on Facebook today, I have decided to start with a short article about the amazing James Shephard. I will be adding to this article and writing in some detail about the other virtuosi cornet soloists. Jim came up in the conversation with Any Waddicor, earlier, who recommended a rather special film clip for all to watch.

I began playing in my village band on the cornet. I continued with various bands in the North of England for many years before taking up the trumpet. I think I served my time doing all the slow melody contests and air-varie competitions that all enthusiasts partake in. I still play the cornet, as already mentioned and try to play through one of the great solos each day, as part of my warm up. RLPO Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko can choose an encore such as the Danse Napolitaine from Swan Lake without any notice; rather than complain, my pride prefers it that I stay as prepared as possible. One solo always gives me a little trouble. I have performed it more than once, but I prefer to choose almost any other of the famous works in the repertoire. This piece is Pandora by E. Damare. It is slap bang in the middle of my Harry Mortimer solo book, so I always have a go at it, if that work is on today’s page. I have only heard one player perform this piece in concert, personally, and I used to have a recording of the same artist when I was a child. Thirty years later I still find things unravelling around bar 28 in the Polka!

Each of the great British cornet virtuosi seem to be remembered for one particular work, although I’m sure they played everything. Each has become associated with their own signature piece. Jack Macintosh was noted for his extraordinary Carnival of Venice (Arban version). Harry Mortimer was revered for his tone and Zelda, by Percy Code, has become associated with him. I have recordings of these two. I have heard the late, great Maurice Murphy play Hartmann’s Facilita several times and Philip McCann play the Del Staigers version Canival of Venice more than once. Derek Garside was famous for playing Cleopatra, as was my old teacher Harry Bentham. The list is endless really, but the above mentioned stick out in my mind. I have learned all the above mentioned solos over the years and am certain I can make a good account of them all, except Pandora. This piece was associated with one of the greatest English Brass Band Principal Cornettists of all time, James Shephard. This guy had a technique honed to perfection and a sound that was as sweet as a nut. He seemed to be able to play all day too!

Watch this video of James Shepherd performing Pandora at Uppermill Civic Centre. Not at the height of his fame in the 1970s, but as a much older man in his sixties, possibly around the year 2000. Remarkable! I have been informed that Jim would have been well into his sixties when this live video was taken!!! What an example to all the young players out there; his technique is still so efficient. Watch and learn…

The Great James Shephard<http://youtu.be/CtGja83BayI