Reviewed by Robin Thompson

This DVD was recorded live at the Queen's Theatre, Burslem, and features an evening of hymns and celebration to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Wesley and the 200th anniversary of primitive Methodism. Featured on the disc are the National Methodist Youth Brass Band and the British Methodist Youth Choir with the event compered by radio presenter Lamont Howie. It's a bold move to release this on DVD and one which I think they fail to pull off. For a start, the balance of the voices in the choir is all wrong with some individual voices featuring far too prominently and a lack volume from the sopranos. There are other sound problems too, of which there are too many to list here, but it basically feels like the soundtrack has been lifted directly from the live feed with no attempt at post production. This is a mistake. Secondly, content wise, there are strong leanings towards the traditional with hymns such as "O For A Thousand Tongues" and "Love Divine". Not surprising given that Wesley is a focus of the celebration but there are actually less Wesley songs than you might think. The problem is that, though billed on the sleeve as "lively and exuberant hymns", the songs are actually quite dour and slow paced. It is not just a problem with the hymns, the more contemporary songs are just the same - too rigid and lethargic. As a result the DVD lacks any real sense of celebration and instead gives the impression, rightly or wrongly, that people are just going through the motions. Thirdly, one has to doubt the professionalism of a release where the compere is reading his script from a scrap of notes. Overall then, a great disappointment.

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