26 Oct 2008

BLACK DYKE BAND

ST. CHAD'S CHURCH

For their concert at St. Chad's Church, organised by the Shropshire Music Trust, The Black Dyke Band presented a varied programme which started with a march specially written for them and ended with a roof raising Procession from Wagner's opera "Lohengrin". This was an afternoon of immaculately played music; from the tiniest whisper to the most mighty roar, the quality of ensemble playing was beyond criticism as was the playing of the many soloists.

The band has a wide repertoire which doubtless explains their enormous popularity. Classics by composers including Bach, Rimsky Korsakov and Shostakovich as well as the famous percussionist Evelyn Glennie provide an eclectic programme. Paul Lovatt- Cooper provided three numbers; "Vitae Aeternum" and "Walking with Heroes" are works with religious intensity, while "Neath the Dublin Skies" had a lively Irish feel to it. Starting with a dreamy , soft melody, it gave way to a lively jig which gave euphonium soloist David Thornton a perfect vehicle for his talents. It was a delight, just like "Cats Tales" by Peter Graham. This featured four soloists among whom Alex Kerwin played a glorious flugelhorn solo as she walked around the church. Similarly, Gareth Brindle's contribution on the Baritone was a model of controlled musicianship in "Little Prayer" by Evelyn Glennie. This is a melodic, very accessible composition which the audience warmed to.

The finale, from "Lohengrin" was a tour de force for the band; my only criticism of the concert was that this was unwisely followed by an encore which seemed tame by comparison. But the audience still loved it!

Andrew Petch

Last Updated : 01/03/2009