Reviewed by Stephen Luff

The Black Dyke Band has achieved many things in their 100 plus year existence, including working with such artists as Paul McCartney, The Beautiful South and Peter Gabriel. Featured on this album are two conductors with impressive reputations, Dr Nicholas J Childs (previous Senior Tutor in Brass Band Studies at the Northern College Of Music) and Dr Robert B Childs (current Director of Brass Band Studies at the Royal Welsh College Of Music). The result is, as you would expect, superb. However, what is more problematic is the subject matter which won't connect with many Christians. The opener in three movements, "Electra", is a mostly fast and energetic piece based on a bloodthirsty play centred on a Greek myth by Sophocles. With movement titles such as "Lust For Revenge" and "Dance To Death", it boggles the mind! "Vita Aeterna Variations" in its mostly gentle format, in seven movements explores the subject of ongoing life combined with the Hindu/Buddhist concept of Karma. However, there is no doubting the quality of the music here; "Canite Tuba" ("Sound Of The Trumpet"), premiered last year, is just one example with its energetic playing which only a band of this calibre could play well. There is also a narrative (that feels a little out of place) based in a 1940 detective style with references to Glen Miller, accompanied with outstanding music. The quality of musicianship on display here is excellent despite the strange subject material.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.