Red Priest - Music by Philip Wilby
15-Dec-2010
Black Dyke enjoy themselves with a touch of religious fervour via the Yorkshire Moors for a release of Wilby craftsmanship.
Black Dyke Band & The Bach Choir
Conductors: Dr Nicholas J Childs & David Hill
Doyen: DOYCD250
Total Playing Time: Aprrox 70 mins
The brass band fraternity would have been all the poorer without the contribution of the music of Philip Wilby.
This latest release demonstrates his innate ability to produce challenging compositions in different musical styles with his indelible mark of craftsmanship.
The release features four premier recordings of new works from a composer who acknowledges that this was a particularly special personal project.
Vivaldi tribute
The title track, 'Red Priest', is a 'tour-de-force' - that was written for Black Dyke to perform at the European Championships in Linz.
The structure of the work isn't dissimilar from Wilby’s equally evocative ‘Vienna Nights’ but musically there are subtle nuance differences.
Black Dyke demonstrates that in full with a performance of engaging musicality with a middle section of rare beauty and poise and a finale that shakes the spinal column.
Personal tribute
David Thornton commissioned Philip Wilby to compose a work that pays homage to his late father. During his tenure at Dyke, the soloist demonstrated that he is an extraordinary euphonium virtuoso and his performance of 'Concert Piece' is one of musical reverence.
Meanwhile, the meditation 'Wondrous Cross' is a demonstration in the art of performing hymnal repertoire with exquisite dynamic ensemble control and balance.
Musical challenge
The musical challenge to bring together brass, choral ensemble, baritone soloist, harpist and organist is overcome with breathtaking mastery in Wilby's 'A Bronte Mass'.
Originally commissioned and premièred by Leeds Philharmonic Choir in 2007, David Hill fronts one of the world's finest choral society’s, in what is a fabulous offering.
The Latin Mass text is interwoven with poems by the four Bronte sisters, and is a wonderfully evocative and moving work of musical substance.
Throughout the thirty minutes, there is exceptional musicianship on show from all concerned, with the poignant, ‘A Prayer' , four and a half minutes of sheer beauty.
Emotion
Phil Gault provides a warm of timbre as the baritone soloist that is imbibed with emotion, whilst the ensemble and solo work from the band is nothing short of outstanding – refined, elegant, balanced and well tempered.
The MD deserves special mention for his direction throughout.
The programme notes are in-depth and informative although the booklet itself seems oddly designed and difficult to read, but overall this is a recording to cherish.
Malcolm Wood
What's on this CD?
Red Priest, Philip Wilby
1. I. Arrival, 5.29
2. II. Beloved Sleep, 5.42
3. III. Fuga, 3.14
Concertpiece, Philip Wilby, David Thornton (Euphonium)�����
4. I. Awakening, 5.39
5. II. Con eleganza, 3.16
6. III. Finale, 2.55
7. Wondrous Cross, Philip Wilby, 3.58
A Bronti Mass, Philip Wilby, Black Dyke Band and The Bach Choir�����
8. I. Prelude — The Autumn Day, Phil Gault (Baritone), 4.27
9. II. Sanctus, 4.37
10. III. A Prayer, 4.29
11. IV. No Coward Soul Is Mine, Phil Gault (Baritone), 6.40
12. V. Memory — A Fragment, Phil Gault (Baritone), 2.49
13. VI. Gloria, 6.38
