Composer: Sir Arthur Bliss
Works: Morning Heroes, Investiture Antiphonal Fanfare, Prayer of St Francis of Assisi
Performers: Brian Blessed (orator), East London Chorus, Harlow Chorus, Hertfordshire Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Kibblewhite (conductor)
Recording: 17-17 Nov 1991 & 26 Jan 1992, All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak, London
Label: CALA CACD 1010
Sir Arthur Bliss, a composer whose contributions to the British musical landscape are often overshadowed by his contemporaries, emerges with renewed significance in this recording of his seminal work, Morning Heroes. Originally conceived as a tribute to his brother who perished in World War I, this symphony for orator, chorus, and orchestra weaves together the voices of multiple poets, including the poignant lines of Wilfred Owen and Robert Nicholls, alongside the epic scope of The Iliad. This performance, recorded during the centenary celebrations of Bliss’s birth, captures the work’s emotional depth and historical resonance, showcasing the composer’s ability to blend personal grief with broader themes of sacrifice and heroism.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Kibblewhite, delivers a performance imbued with palpable emotional weight. Kibblewhite’s interpretation reveals a nuanced understanding of the score’s complexities. Particularly striking is the orchestra’s ability to navigate the contrasting sections that oscillate between thunderous climaxes and intimate passages. The lush orchestration is vividly realized, with the strings providing a warm foundation against the choral textures above. The urgent, rapid sections, notably the setting of Owen’s The Heroes, resonate with an intensity that underscores the urgency of the text, a testament to Kibblewhite’s deft handling of tempo and dynamics.
Brian Blessed’s oratory is central to this performance; his commanding voice brings a gravitas that is both engaging and evocative. However, there are moments where his delivery could benefit from greater subtlety. In contrast to John Westbrook’s interpretation in the EMI recording conducted by Sir Charles Groves, which balances fervor with measured restraint, Blessed’s approach at times leans towards the bombastic, potentially overshadowing the more delicate choral contributions. The choruses of the East London, Harlow, and Hertfordshire ensembles bring a remarkable intensity and blend, their disciplined singing adding layers of emotional resonance to the narrative. The clarity of the recording allows for the intricate interplay between the chorus and orchestra to emerge, with the Cala engineers capturing the sonic spectrum with impressive fidelity.
The additional works on the disc serve to contextualize Bliss’s oeuvre within the broader fabric of his creative output. The Investiture Antiphonal Fanfare, despite its brevity, is delivered with an exuberant spirit that foreshadows the dramatic sweep of Morning Heroes. Meanwhile, the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi, with its unaccompanied female voices, presents an ethereal contrast that showcases Bliss’s lyrical sensibility. While the material may not linger in the memory, its sonic layering creates a serene atmosphere, effectively juxtaposing the more tumultuous themes of the larger work.
This recording, enriched by a detailed booklet featuring an essay by Giles Easterbrook and full texts of the works, stands as a commendable tribute to Bliss’s legacy. It serves not only as an essential document of Morning Heroes but also as a reminder of Bliss’s stature among British composers. The combination of Kibblewhite’s insightful direction, the London Philharmonic’s robust playing, and the fervent choral singing culminates in a performance that captures the heart of Bliss’s vision, making this disc an indispensable addition to the canon of British orchestral music.
