CD: Black Dyke Gold Vol. 7

BLACK DYKE GOLD VOLUME VII
Black Dyke Band
Conductor: Professor Nicholas Childs
Doyen: DOY CD385
Buy this CD here!

The Black Dyke Band’s popular Gold series continues into Volume VII, showcasing an array of entertaining concert items, talented soloists, and première recordings.

The spritely sound of Sousa’s famous The Liberty Bell march certainly brings a smile to the face. Whether Kevin Norbury’s Odyssey will, or not, is another matter after proving a slightly contentious choice for some at the British ‘Regionals’ this year. Love it or loath it, Black Dyke gives a characterful performance, rich in finely tuned detail throughout.

The première recording of William Himes’s Intrepid Overture proves one of the highlights of the disc. A work of great character, the thrilling rhythmic opening passages lead into an enigmatic central movement led by floating solo lines. A return of the rhythmic and determined march-like motifs drives this fine addition
to the repertoire to an exhilarating conclusion.

The three featured soloists of the disc provide welcome interludes throughout. Principal cornet, Richard Marshall, and flugel, Zoe Hancock, respectively give master classes in melodic playing in Gounod’s Ave Maria and Eric Whitacre’s The Seal Lullaby, whilst euphonium, Daniel Thomas, provides refined technical variety and an impressive upper range in Endearing Young Charms.

In complete contrast, Lennon and McCartney’s Thingumybob celebrates 50 years since Black Dyke recorded with The Beatles, whilst Old Man River is given an entertaining, upbeat treatment featuring some fine drum kit playing.

The famous Welsh melody All Through the Night is performed with real passion, and dedicated to the memory of the late Ian Williams - the famous Cory principal cornet.

To finish, the band joins forces with the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus to deliver the première recording of Paul Mealor’s Paradise for Chorus and Brass Band. Based upon Dante’s Pilgrim, the work follows this journey from inferno to purgatory and finally to paradise. Mealor’s refreshing writing portrays this sinister drama with sustained mysterious passages, shadowy solo cadenzas and adrenaline-charged musical climaxes as the chorus and band balance effectively.

Gauged, perhaps, towards the casual listener rather than the avid enthusiast, there are nevertheless a large range of musical styles to be enjoyed throughout, making it a well worthwhile purchase for fans of the Queensbury ensemble.

THOMAS DUNNE

 
This review appeared in the November 2018 edition of BBW. For more reviews, articles and news subscribe to BBW Digital, available to read online (annual subscription: £30), or subscribe to BBW's printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World). Alternatively, receive both the Digital and printed editions combined: £55 (UK); £83 (Europe); £96 (rest of the world) - saving 50% on the Digital edition! Click here to subscribe!