Notes: The Rising of the Son
 World events seem to create a
sense of chaos and disorder that brings disruption to many nations and peoples individual
lives. The Rising of the Son therefore represents something that
continues to happen in our constantly shifting society. It is a pattern that established
itself when Gods Spirit moved throughout creation to bring order out of the chaos. Gods
Spirit continues to move to bring a sense of order in the world in which we live, and
through the rising of His Son, seeks to bring that sense of order to peoples lives! The
music of this title track divides into three clear movements, using the composers’
own original works. A mystical introductions leads to the struggle for order with a
chaotic sense of tonality, and the tune ‘Creation Praise’ struggles to find its
voice in the midst of this. The middle movement features the melody, ‘Spirit of
Jesus’, its antiphonal voices seeking to bring a sense of calm and inner peace. The
last movement features quotations from ‘As the Sun, Christ is coming’ along with
thematic references to previous material, which bring the music into its triumphal setting
of ‘Creation Praise’. The Spirit continues to bring order out of chaos.
A number of other new works are premiered on this CD. Norman Bearcroft has had links with
the Amsterdam Staff Band since its formation and wrote the Amsterdam Festival
March for the band in 1992. However, this is its first recording. It’s a
heady mixture of some Salvation Army tunes and obvious references to Amsterdam’s own
heritage. What a way to introduce the band and this recording!
All the time in the world and I Surrender All feature
the work of Johan Dokter and Andrew Mackereth respectively. Both are devotional works, the
first being a sensitive arrangement of the Christian gospel song of the same title. The
Flugel Horn Solo brings together two tunes used for the same text. It is mainly
constructed using the beautiful melody by David Chaulk, but very gently brings in the more
traditional tune used by Salvation Army congregations, and unifies them towards the end.
Andrew Mackereth is making a significant contribution to the brass band repertoire, and
also featured is his arrangement of the contemporary Christian song ‘Celebrate Jesus,
Celebrate’, simply called Celebrate!
Other new works include the two numbers by Howard Evans, The Blue Bird
and Chassidic Dance. These are a complete contrast in style with the
former being a transcription of Standford’s exquisite song from the English Choral
repertoire, with its wonderfully enigmatic ending. In complete contrast comes a piece also
originally written as a choral work by the composer, but having a Jewish-Russian foot
stomping style, hence the eastern style ‘Chassidic’ title.
A number of the tracks gesture in the direction of the USA. This is in recognition
of The Amsterdam Staff Band ‘West Coast Tour’ at the end of 2002 and early 2003.
Bruce Broughton’s Festival Arrangment Covenant is a particularly
fine work with some fascinating treatment of the tune Covenant, both in the slow middle
section setting and in the climatic presentation that follows. When first published,
William Himes’ New Frontier was very a very popular selection and
extensively played. Written for the re-opening of the new halls at Dearborn Heights,
Detroit, USA, it is both a look back to the past, with references to the tune St. Ann (O
God our help in ages past) as well as looking forwards to the current challenges of
Salvation Army ministry.
The American flavour is also represented in two Classical arrangements. The Finale
from Dvorak’s ‘New World' Symphony is arranged by Ray Steadman-Allen.
It gives tribute to his skill, and acknowledges many of the fine transcriptions from
orchestral works produced by RS-A for the Salvation Army repertoire, in addition to the
numerous original works for brass band that he has contributed. Jesu, Joy of
Man’s Desiring is an ever popular favourite arranged by that very
influential figure, Eric Leidzen.
John Philip Sousa wrote The Salvation Army March to honour the movement.
This typically features the song know as the ‘Founder’s Song’ by William
Booth, ‘O boundless Salvation’. This has been arranged into its present form by
Ray Steadman-Allen, and has the usual characteristic expectations of style and tempo.
Whilst many of the perspectives here have been broadly based, there is also some work from
closer to home. Olaf Ritman is a member of the ASB and has recently had some work
published by the Salvation Army. One aspect of the role of the ASB is to encourage new
talent and writers, and so represented here is his arrangement Love at Home.
The tune may not have been an obvious choice for the contemporary genre, but it works
well.
Finally, the trombone section of the band are featured in the arrangement I will
follow him. The music from the film Sister Act represents a contemporary style
that has taken very strong root in the music traditions of the church in general. The rock
idiom of this number is very popular and makes a welcome addition to the programme.
This disc represents music at many different levels of appeal. It also carries with it the
desire of the Amsterdam Staff Band to use music that will enhance people’s lives,
that allows us to find moments when Gods Spirit will be revealed, and that will continue
to bring a sense of inner peace.
Click here to
read the review about this recording as published in the British Bandsman of 21 June 2003.
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