Black Dyke Band: Journey Into Freedom | Eric Ball

#blackdykeband #journeyintofreedom #ericball The Black Dyke Band (conducted by Nicholas Childs) perform "Journey Into Freedom" by Eric Ball. October 11, 2003 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. https://www.blackdykeband.co.uk/
Composed to be used as the Championship test piece for bands competing at the Royal Albert Hall in 1967, Eric Ball’s Journey Into Freedom is one of his most popular works. The work has endured the test of time, being used twice more for contests, as well as being a Championship band staple.

Journey Into Freedom has strong links to the time it was composed as Ball had very strong ideas to what he wants both the listeners and players to realise:

“Whether they know it or not, today’s competing amateur musicians – and the tens of thousands more they represent – are helping to keep open the ‘Windows of Heaven’ in this harsh materialsitic age. Focus on some unexpressed longings of the human heart. In the realms of the spirit, mankind’s greatest victories can be won. May today’s brass band festival give us all hope and inspiration for these troubled times, as well as entertainment and happiness.”

By the time Britain had reached the late 1960s, people had seen the Cold War escalate which in turn affected the traditional values by disaffected youth. Journey Into Freedom was Ball’s way of seeking reaffirmation of his belief that love and spiritual fulfillment through God could still be achieved, even against such a depressing and violent background. It was every person for themselves at this time, with Ball’s music reflecting some of these emotions.