*
banner

CD review: Triquetra

Black Dyke Band
Conductor: Prof Nicholas J. Childs
Soloists: Stephanie Binns, Gavin Saynor, Brett Baker
Organ: Philip Wilby
Piano: Darius Battiwalla
Narrator: Matthew Routley
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD425


‘Triquetra’ marks Black Dyke’s return to the recording studio following the tenth and final offering of its ‘Gold’ series late last year.

It also coincides with their return to the top of the contesting podium at the National Championships in London, as well as directing inquisitive interest towards much anticipated recording projects over the next 12 months and more.

Direct segue

The inclusion of Peter Graham’s title track acts as a direct amuse-bouche segue (the Naxos release of his music has just been released); a free flowing ‘fantasia’ on ‘The Old Hundredth’  hymn inspired by the ‘Holy Trinity’ architectural designs seen in Church buildings and illuminated manuscripts.

‘Flashback’  is a heady little shot-glass mixer that nods in personal as well as contesting appreciation to former player Lee Rigg.

The mouthwatering potential of a possible Respighi inspired recording with conductor John Wilson (Band President) who recently directed an acclaimed orchestral triptych of ‘Fountains’, ‘Pines’ and ‘Festivals’ with the Sinfonia of London, would be one heck of a coup.

The mouthwatering potential of a possible Respighi inspired recording with conductor John Wilson (Band President) who recently directed an acclaimed orchestral triptych of ‘Fountains’, ‘Pines’ and ‘Festivals’ with the Sinfonia of London, ould be one heck of a coup.

The brace of Howard Snell’s landmark arrangements, played here with technicolour Romanic flair and certainty (ensemble and soloists) are the juiciest of tempting entrees. 

Aurora

An existing recording partnership featuring the music of John Rutter is currently in production. ‘Two Prayers’,  tenderly arranged by Luc Vertommen offers a tantalisingly snapshot, whilst John Kendrick’s ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’  neatly arranged by Anna Wilby adds an upbeat sense of evangelical praise. 

The trio of excellent soloists in Stephanie Binns, Gavin Saynor and Brett Baker put their classy imprints on some familiar fayre, whilst Matthew Routley adds his stentorian Churchillian tones to ‘Peacemakers’.   

Elsewhere, the MDs admirable commitment to recording major contest works, sees an absorbing account of Joel Thoor Engstrom’s 2023 European Championship set-test ‘Aurora’.

Elsewhere, the MDs admirable commitment to recording major contest works, sees an absorbing account of Joel Thoor Engstrom’s 2023 European Championship set-test ‘Aurora’.

It is a hefty, but cleverly scored chunk of Roman mystery, symbolism and magnetic fields of energy that travelled in engaging fashion across Malmo skies, and which fully retains its optimistic outlook here.

Iwan Fox


To purchase:

CDs:
https://www.blackdykeband.co.uk/shop/shop/cds/essential-dyke/triquetra/

https://www.worldofbrass.com/102081

Download: 
https://www.worldofbrass.com/102081-download

Multi media: 
http://www.wobplay.com


Play list:

1. Flashback (Peter Grahm)

2. Aurora (Joel Thoor Engstrom)
i. Largo
ii. Pesante
111. Allegro Con Spirito

5. Dimitri (Rodney Newton)
Soloist: Stephanie Binns

6. Peacemakers (Dan Price)
Narrator: Matthew Routley

7. Carnival for Bass (Fred Muscroft)
Soloist: Gavin Saynor

8-9. Two Prayers (John Rutter arr. Luc Vertommen)
i. God Be In My Head
ii. A Prayer of Saint Patrick 

10. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (Maschwitz/Sherwin arr. Snell)
Soloist: Brett Baker 

11. Shine, Jesus, Shine (Graham Kendrick arr. Anna Wilby)

12. Triquetra (Peter Graham)

13-14. Two movements from Roman Festivals (Respighi arr. Snell)
i. The October Festival
Soloist: Siobhan Bates
ii. The Epiphany
Organ: Philip Wilby
Piano: Darius Battiwalla

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Contest: 47th Brass in Concert

Saturday 16 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment

Friday 22 November • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Dobcross Silver Band

November 14 • Dobcross Silver Band are looking for a couple of cornet players. You are rewarded with enjoyable rehearsals, concerts and a progressive contesting band. If you are a team player looking for a change of scenery , get in touch.


Barnsley Brass

November 13 • Barnsley Brass requires an Eb bass player.. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge on the A61 just south of Barnsley.. Rehearsals are Monday and Thursday evenings at 8pm in our purpose built bandroom..


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 12 • Under the direction of David W Ashworth, we are making every effort to complete the rebuild of this very famous brass band. We require a kit percussionists and one Back Row Cornet to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd