Last updated 05:36, Friday, 04 July 2008

Lanercost festival – Edward I: The Musical SpectacularThis unique piece was written in 2006 by Ian and Stephen Warnes of Brampton’s Omega Music, aided by Ian’s wife Linda and developed and orchestrated with the help of Ivan Whetton, to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the arrival of the illustrious despot, King Edward 1, at Lanercost Priory.

Also included were two adaptations of songs written for the Border Ballads TV programme by Cumbria-based musicians, Maddie Prior (who took part in the production) and Rick Kemp of Steeleye Span.

Part one outlined the history of the Priory and set the scene. Maddie Prior’s beautiful Kyrie achieved the quality of the chiming priory bell whereas the male voice ensemble telling the story of Robert de Vaux, the priory’s founder, was reminiscent of Carl Orff. Geoff Gray as the king, was impressive with his bold, bass voice. The pizzicato fiddles in the Villein’s Song, sung and ably played on the accordion by David O’Donnell, added humour. The narration, in rhyming verse, was eloquently delivered throughout by John Rimmer.

Part two opened with a rousing choir and fine woodwind playing. There were superb performances from Paul im Thurn (de Brus) and Ian Wright (Prior), who portrayed Edward’s many conflicts arising from his battles with the Scots.

The orchestration was full of unusual delights, such as the driving seven-beat rhythm of Red John Comyn and the discordant passages, which burst in on each line of Oh God Our Help in Ages Past.

Maddie and Rick’s rousing anthem, Peace on the Border, had us all singing along at the end of the evening.

It was a privilege to be part of the full-house at Lanercost Festival’s 2008 finale.

MYRNA REAY