DVD - Heritage
6-Dec-2005Black Dyke Band
Dr Nicholas J Childs
In association with The Royal Armouries Museum Leeds
World of Brass Recordings: WOB 110
Total Playing Time: 1 hour approx
» This DVD is certainly different in its approach but the idea of producing an historical and educative guide of the ‘Best of British' through narration, acting and music works extremely well.
The thought process into the idea came about through Guy Wilson, Past Master of the Royal Armouries and Professor Philip Wilby who were looking at ways of marking Black Dyke's 150th Anniversary in 2005.
After piloting some ideas, the end result is this superbly produced (and the production team can't be praised enough) DVD that chronicles Britain's heritage and acknowledges Black Dyke's 150th Year.
Lasting just under one hour, this is something that you can watch and listen too from a number of different angles; the narration and music can be digested by the viewer on their own if they wish and then sitting back and taking it all in as it unfolds before your eyes and ears.
What certainly works is the links from the narratives into the music that are delivered in an informative and entertaining manner; at no time was this reviewer counting down the minutes to its conclusion. New compositions from Philip Wilby appear on the recording and his ‘Heritage Fanfare' commences the proceedings off in a grand manner.
Black Dyke are in great form throughout, none more so than in the ‘Nativity' from ‘…Dove Descending' (that acknowledges the Christian Church) where the playing of Michelle Ibbotson and David Thornton is wonderful in its execution.
The same can also be said for Roger Webster's playing in Elgar's ‘Chanson De Matin' allowing the viewer to transport themselves for a few moments to somewhere peaceful and tranquil.
Prior to this though musical tributes are paid to The Industrial Revolution through ‘City Scape' (Lowry Sketchbook) and ‘The Battle of Agincourt' (Henry V) that also includes actors utilizing weapons from that era in a scene of battle.
'Jupiter' from ‘The Planets' is featured to pay homage to the ‘Battle of Trafalgar', whereas the sword fight from Romeo and Juliet features more new music from Philip Wilby that leads into a final section that includes the ‘Popular Song' from Walton's ‘Façade' and a vivid account of life on the front line during the World War years before Dyke perform ‘Nimrod' and close in typical style with Walton's ‘Spitfire Prelude & Fugue'.
This production whilst of a serious nature is excellently done and accessible with informative sleeve notes from Philip Wilby, some great playing from Black Dyke and comes with some creative visual scenes. Without question, it comes highly recommended and it has educative values making it appeal to an audience beyond the Brass Band medium.
Malcolm Wood
