*
banner

Black Dyke helps critical restoration of Bliss reputation

The National Champion's forthcoming CD release of the music of Arthur Bliss has already gained critical acclaim.

Bliss
  The recording will be officially released on 9th August.

Black Dyke Band's forthcoming 'Bliss: Works for Brass Band' CD has already started to gain critical acclaim ahead of its official release on 9th August.

Conducted by John Wilson on the Chandos label, it features both his original and arranged works for the medium, including his major compositions 'Kenilworth' and 'Belmont Variations'.

These are featured alongside arrangements of his ballet music to 'Checkmate' (by Eric Ball) and 'Adam Zero' (Dr Robert Childs) alongside excerpts from his film score 'Things to Come' (Phillip Littlemore), as well as 'Music from The Royal Palaces' and 'Welcome the Queen' (both by Michael Halstenson).

Worth noticing

Fiona Maddocks, the hugely respected classical music journalist has given it a 4 star review when writing about it on he 'Home Listening' page of The Guardian newspaper on the weekend.

The short review (published on Saturday 20th July) opens by saying: "An album devoted to brass band music is rare on a classical label. When the conductor is John Wilson, steeped in this tradition, and the band one of the world's best, it is worth noticing."

Restore reputation

Fiona Maddocks goes on to state that the works are brought "to spirited life"- the playing "authoritative, atmospheric and virtuosic", as well as maintaining that it remained a mystery to why Bliss remains out of fashion, this "wonderful album may help restore his reputation."

To pre-purchase

To pre-purchase go to:
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHSA%205344

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Dr Liz Lane

Lane closure at Grimethorpe

May 21 • The successful musical partnership between Grimethopre Colliery Band and Composer in Association Dr Liz Lane has come to an end after four fruitful years.


Carlton Main

Withington to ask to beat or not to beat?

May 20 • Allan Withington's Conductor Course to be held in South Yorkshire will explore the need for conductors to be more than just beaters of time...


European

Euro images from Chappers

May 20 • Fantastic images from the recent European Championships in Stavanger are now available direct from photographer Craig Chapman.


Calderpips

CalderPips hits grip mark

May 20 • The 3000th CalderPips Grip has just been sold — with worldwide demand pushing sales for innovative product.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Otley Brass Association

May 20 • An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Musical Director to join Otley Brass Band. . . Owing to our current MD relocating for a new job, our friendly, non-contesting band is seeking a new and enthusiastic MD.


Crewe Brass

May 20 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Hathersage Band

May 20 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd