CD REVIEW - BLISS
WORKS FOR BRASS BAND
BLACK DYKE BAND / JOHN WILSON
Chandos CHSA 5344 [69:51]

This is an unaccustomed treat for brass band enthusiasts among our readers. Sir Arthur Edward Drummond Bliss CH KCVO ((1891-1975) was an English composer and conductor. He served with distinction in WW1, being both injured and gassed. He was responsible for a large portfolio of music and knew how to write a good tune. He served as Director of Music at the BBC from 1942-44 – I seem to remember reading that he introduced "Auld Lang Syne" to the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms playlist – and after being knighted was appointed Master of the Queen's Music.

Black Dyke Band, formerly John Foster & Son Black Dyke Mills Band, has been active since 1855 and is today probably the best-known UK band with a No.4 world ranking. Their 31 members listed here are fortunate in having the charismatic John Wilson wielding the baton.

The album has 30 tracks: by far the longest is just under six minutes so nothing overstays its welcome. 'Kenilworth' and 'Belmont Variations' are evidently staple fare on the brass band menu and are both included on this release. The former was partly inspired by a visit Bliss made with his wife to Kenilworth Castle, and Belmont in Massachusetts was where Lady Bliss was born. Bliss loved ballet and The Four Dances from 'Checkmate' are finely written and equally pleasurable.

The four remaining works are all premiere recordings. The opening number is a lively March, Welcome the Queen, written in May 1954 after the safe return to the UK by the Queen and Prince Philip from a wide-ranging tour of the Commonwealth. The Suite from 'Adam Zero' provides some more entertaining Ballet music.

Music from 'The Royal Palaces' consists of five tracks with The Ballroom in Buckingham Palace including a standout waltz. Reckoned to be Bliss's most memorable piece of music, The March from the film 'Things to Come', is the final track of four in the Suite from the Music for the Film.

The brass band arrangements are by Michael Halstenson (2), Kenneth A Wright, Dr Robert Charles, Philip Littlemore, Frank Wright and Eric Ball.

Andrew Burn's booklet notes maintain the high standard we have come to expect from Chandos issues. The recording was made as recently as March this year in brass band country at Dewsbury Town Hall, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

© Peter Burt, July 2024