Steven Rosen: Black Sabbath (Revised Edition) We all know that Black Sabbath have ruled the kingdom of doom-riff Apocalypse rock since they hatched in the 1970s. But what no one could foresee, would be the emergence of vocalist/frontman Ozzy Osbourne as some sort of multi-dimensional super hero, attracting the limelight of not only the music industry but equally the entertainment media and the political establishment.
Die Legende Black Sabbath Black Sabbath was one of the first bands to define the ‘heavy metal’ sound in the early 70s, moving away from the peace movement and hippie culture to writing songs about heavier issues, such as occult, war, apocalypse and gothic storytelling. In their music they conveyed an inimitable sense of anger and anti-establishment, the likes of which had never been heard before.
Peter Maxwell Davies: Black Pentecost Peter Maxwell Davies' 1979 work for mezzo-soprano, baritone and orchestra, commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra, who gave the first performance in May 1992 at the Royal Festival Hall, with Simon Rattle conducting. The 'Black Pentecost' is the coming of uranium mining, which was a threat to Orkney when the work was written. The text tells of the destruction of old ways of life, the eclipse of the human by the technological. Davies sets it as a gripping dramatic cantata which is also a four-movement symphony, with the songs for imperious baritone and lyrical mezzo-soprano linked by orchestral transitions. The work is a lament, and at the same time a fiercely argued protest. Score. Duration c. 40mins.
John Blackwell: Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD John Blackwell, world-class groove master and drummer with prince, offers his approach to developing the amazing technique he has become know for, including key exercises that he used as a student. Segments include: Heroes and Influence, Practising, Teachers, Building a solo, Single-Hands Rolls, Single-pedal technique, Building a groove, Shuffles and a detail demonstration of his incredible stick Twirling Technique.
The Black Eyed Peas: Where Is The Love The L.A. based US multi ethnic rap crew recorded this 'tear jerker' of a single in January 2002 and added Justin Timberlake's vocals in the July. It is included on their third album, Elephunk.
Judith Weir: The Black Spider (Vocal Score) An opera in three acts, based on the novel Die Schwarze Spinne by Jeremias Gotthelf. Words and music by Judith Weir. Commissioned by Kent Opera. Duration: c.75 minutes.
Richard Blackford: Mirror Of Perfection (Vocal Score) A Cantata for Soprano and Baritone soloists, chorus and orchestra with text by St Francis of Assisi and music by Richard Blackford. Vocal score edition with piano reduction. Orchestral material is available for hire.
