Alpha & Omega

[GJG]

Anyone received/listened to their copy of the new Steadman-Allen/YBS recording yet?

Thoughts/opinions?

TIA

Gareth

[nickjones]

Nice one...it's about time there was a studio recording of "Hymn at Sunrise"..well done YBS

[WorldofBrass.com]

Have you got your copy of Alpha and Omega (http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/21337.html) yet, Gareth?

[GJG]

Have you got your copy of Alpha and Omega (http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/21337.html) yet, Gareth?

No; (has my complimentary copy got lost in the post, I wonder ... ??? ;) ) That's why I posted, get some idea of what other people thought before I shell out my hard-earned readies.

[OK, I admit it, I'm sulking because they didn't include the "Warrior Psalm"; nor have the ISB recorded it yet, despite my repeated lobbying via a certain well-known (on tMP at least) member of their bass section ...]

No, seriously, I can't imagine me holding out for long before I buy it.

G.

[carlwoodman]

[OK, I admit it, I'm sulking because they didn't include the "Warrior Psalm"; nor have the ISB recorded it yet, despite my repeated lobbying via a certain well-known (on tMP at least) member of their bass section ...]

I've tried my best but the next ISB CD looks like including On Ratcliff Highway as the only RSA work.
You'll just have to wait until the next Chatham Band CD!

[WorldofBrass.com]

Anyone received/listened to their copy of the new Steadman-Allen/YBS recording yet?

There's an excellent review by Philip Wilby in this weeks BB which should reach subscribers tomorrow.

[cujo_134]

the next ISB CD looks like including On Ratcliff Highway as the only RSA work.


Have you recorded it yet??

[carlwoodman]

Have you recorded it yet??

No.

[John Brooks]

I've tried my best but the next ISB CD looks like including On Ratcliff Highway as the only RSA work.

ISB already recorded this on By Love Compelled; I know it was a few years ago (1990) but, with other quality music from RSA still not available (Logos and Daystar are two that come to mind) it seems a strange choice to me. YBS recorded it more recently on Essays - Vol.1 and it's also on the new NYSB CD - Glorifico, due out next week which is possibly the best argument against doing it again. In my collection I also have older recordings by Enfield; Kettering and Melbourne Staff Band.

Let me make it clear, I've nothing against the music, I believe it's great stuff; but I would be interested in hearing the rationale for including it.

[GJG]

... but, with other quality music from RSA still not available (Logos and Daystar are two that come to mind) it seems a strange choice to me. YBS recorded it more recently on Essays - Vol.1 and it's also on the new NYSB CD - Glorifico, due out next week which is possibly the best argument against doing it again. In my collection I also have older recordings by Enfield; Kettering and Melbourne Staff Band.

Indeed.

In fact, I have vinyl recordings of both "Logos" (CSB/Bearcroft - Date uncertain; mid/late '70's?) and "Daystar" (live from the 1978 International Congress - ISB/NYSB/Melbourne Staff massed bands), although this is not to say that both these works aren't well overdue for up-to-date studio recordings (together with "Warrior Psalm" of course ... ! )

I certainly wouldn't consider another version of "Ratcliff" to be a priority, great piece though it is.

[John Brooks]

The Warrior Psalm has only been recorded once to my knowledge, on A Psalm of Praise by Bristol Easton Band. I have Daystar from 1978 as well but somehow don't have the CSB version of Logos anymore; one of life's mysteries.

Another good one is On Active Service, which I believe was written as a tribute to George Marshall. Personally I would also love to hear a definitive recording of Fantasia too. I know it was recently done by Kettering but, from what I've read, there are some tuning issues on that release.

How about a further RS-A CD with the following:

The Warrior Psalm
On Active Service
Fantasia
Daystar
Logos
The High Council

YBS or ISB, just let me know when I can place my order :)

Do I have any seconders?

[GJG]

The Warrior Psalm has only been recorded once to my knowledge, on A Psalm of Praise by Bristol Easton Band. I have Daystar from 1978 as well but somehow don't have the CSB version of Logos anymore; one of life's mysteries.

Another good one is On Active Service, which I believe was written as a tribute to George Marshall. Personally I would also love to hear a definitive recording of Fantasia too. I know it was recently done by Kettering but, from what I've read, there are some tuning issues on that release.

How about a further RS-A CD with the following:

The Warrior Psalm
On Active Service
Fantasia
Daystar
Logos
The High Council

YBS or ISB, just let me know when I can place my order :)

Do I have any seconders?

Actually there is another version of "Warrior Psalm" by Coventry City SA (I didn't know about the Bristol Easton one in fact - does anyone know if it's still available?), but, without wanting to be too indelicate, I don't think the recording/performance/interpretation does much for the piece.

"High Council" is also on the CSB "Logos" recording; fantastic piece.

Yes, I'll happily second your suggestion!

G.

[brassneck]

:frown: ... I'm still disappointed that there isn't a studio recording of 'Seascapes' yet!

[Brian Kelly]

"Daystar" was recorded on CD by the Melbourne Staff Band in the early '90s. I also have it on a CD by Boscombe SA Band from the late '80s, which I suspect is a re-release of an earlier cassette or LP recording.

I have heard about "Logos" but never heard it, and would be most interested in a CD recording.

I am looking forward to getting "Alpha and Omega". Is "The Beacons" on it? A great piece of music.

[choirmaster]

I'm sure that Intrada brass from Canada ( cond.- Bram Gregson) also recorded Daystar. It has to be one of my all time favourites, a beautiful piece of writing and sadly overlooked. I don't think it has even been published.:( I think the harmonization of the tune Ascalon, which runs through it was later put to good use by being included in the S.A.'s tune book which arrived a few years later (1983?).

[brassneck]

Wasn't Logos written for the ISB in the late '60s and recorded by the Canadian Staff Band?

[WorldofBrass.com]

I am looking forward to getting "Alpha and Omega". Is "The Beacons" on it? A great piece of music.

Certainly is.
Check it out HERE (http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/21337.html) and pick up a copy from the World of Brass trade stand at Blackpool tomorrow.

[Brian Kelly]

I'm sure that Intrada brass from Canada ( cond.- Bram Gregson) also recorded Daystar. It has to be one of my all time favourites, a beautiful piece of writing and sadly overlooked. I don't think it has even been published.:( I think the harmonization of the tune Ascalon, which runs through it was later put to good use by being included in the S.A.'s tune book which arrived a few years later (1983?).

I'd forgotten about that recording! Intrada Brass did record it on a tribute CD for Ray Steadman-Allen. If I remember correctly ( I can't be bothered digging it out at this time of night) , it also includes "On Active Service", and some great cornet playing from guest soloist Russell Grey.

[Brian Kelly]

Wasn't Logos written for the ISB in the late '60s and recorded by the Canadian Staff Band?

I think it was written for a big SA event - an International Congress perhaps? - in the early '70s. It was first performed by the ISB, and later recorded by the Canadian Staff Band on an LP, conducted by Norman Bearcroft. Apparently it is such a big piece that it took up an entire side of the LP!

[Brian Kelly]

Certainly is.
Check it out HERE (http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/21337.html) and pick up a copy from the World of Brass trade stand at Blackpool tomorrow.

Alas, I can't be at Blackpool tomorrow. I'll just have to get it from the 'net or at a trade stand at the next big event, such as the Bridgewater Hall Brass Arts Festival or at the Open.

[brassneck]

Found a wee bit of info. on the CSB site ...

"In 1974, the band undertook its first major overseas tour, visiting England, Scotland and Wales. Highlights included Deryck Diffey's presentation of Golden Slippers at the Royal Albert Hall, where the CSB shared the stage with the International Staff Band.

During these years, the band was also featured regularly at congresses and commissionings, including the 90th Anniversay Eastern Canada Congress in 1982, led by General Erik Wickberg at Toronto's Varsity Arena. The band also was a regular feature at the annual Spring Festivals and the Festivals of Gospel Song inaugurated by Major Bearcroft, held each fall at Toronto's historic Massey Hall.

A large part of the band's musical ministry has always been through its recordings. Original LPs from these early years included The Gospel Train, Home for Christmas, Golden Slippers, Salute to Montreal, The Sound of Britain, Logos and The Newfoundlander."

http://csb.salvationarmy.ca/content/default_DocView.asp?DocumentID=68

[brassneck]

I think it was written for a big SA event - an International Congress perhaps? - in the early '70s. It was first performed by the ISB, and later recorded by the Canadian Staff Band on an LP, conducted by Norman Bearcroft. Apparently it is such a big piece that it took up an entire side of the LP!

... the length of the piece is just over 19 minutes (I just found an old cassette recording) ;)


re: Daystar .... Intrada Brass did indeed record it on their CD featuring the music of RSA!

[PeterBale]

In addition to the CSB lp, Logos was also used (in a vocalised version) at one of the Councils Festivals at the RAH (can't say which one off hand, as I'm at home and my index is at work). I certainly agree it would be good to have a new recording, as it is one of my favourite RSA works - incidentally, the original title is given as "Logos I" as he had it in mind to write a rather different work on the same theme.

[brassneck]

In addition to the CSB lp, Logos was also used (in a vocalised version) at one of the Councils Festivals at the RAH (can't say which one off hand, as I'm at home and my index is at work). I certainly agree it would be good to have a new recording, as it is one of my favourite RSA works - incidentally, the original title is given as "Logos I" as he had it in mind to write a rather different work on the same theme.

... just listened to the recording and it has the short narratives and choral parts included!

[John Brooks]

I'm sure that Intrada brass from Canada ( cond.- Bram Gregson) also recorded Daystar.
I'd forgotten that one. For those interested, here's the track listing. It was recorded by Ted Marshall, dated from 1995 and is very good. I just checked their website (www.intradabrass.ca) and it's no longer listed.

Hadleigh Camp
Go Down Moses
Pavilions of Praise
Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals (Russell Gray)
Floodtide
Southdown
Lord of the Sea
Happy in the Fight (David Robertson; Russell Gray)
God's Soldiers
Daystar
St. Magnus (Hymn Tune)

[5010 Hn]

In addition to the CSB lp, Logos was also used (in a vocalised version) at one of the Councils Festivals at the RAH (can't say which one off hand, as I'm at home and my index is at work). I certainly agree it would be good to have a new recording, as it is one of my favourite RSA works - incidentally, the original title is given as "Logos I" as he had it in mind to write a rather different work on the same theme.

1979, I believe! The ISB also played an arrangement of Themes from Beethovens 8th, that i've never heard since and don't think was published. Good arrangement, I wonder what ever happened to it?
Another great 'unpublished' work featured that day was 'The Childhood suite' featuring childrens songs in the style of classical composers (by the festival chorus).
Yet another- the horn feature 'On the Sunny Side', since recorded by the Household Troops band on a Norman Bearcroft tribute album, late 1990's.

Why were none of these works published??..... :oops:

[Band Lads Army]

I'd forgotten that one. For those interested, here's the track listing. It was recorded by Ted Marshall, dated from 1995 and is very good. I just checked their website (www.intradabrass.ca (http://www.intradabrass.ca/)) and it's no longer listed.

Hadleigh Camp
Go Down Moses
Pavilions of Praise
Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals (Russell Gray)
Floodtide
Southdown
Lord of the Sea
Happy in the Fight (David Robertson; Russell Gray)
God's Soldiers
Daystar
St. Magnus (Hymn Tune)

That's a super track list IMHO. Lord of the Sea is one of his best works.

[Band Lads Army]

That's a super track list IMHO. Lord of the Sea is one of his best works.

Went to Derby Central SA a few years back for a RSA festival and the central band played it and RSA was present,he was one very proud man when they nailed it.

[Brian Kelly]

So, if the ISB, Enfield, Hendon, etc, or even YBS, Black Dyke, Grimethorpe, Fodens, Faireys, or Brighouse are wondering what to include on their next CD, then it seems that there would be a market for a recording of "Logos" and /or "Daystar"...

[Brian Bowen]

I don't think anyone has mentioned the recording of "Daystar" by Enfield Citadel Band (James Williams) on their "Milestone" CD of 1996. It's a fine performance and the whole CD is recommendable. RSA's march "Crown of Conquest" is also on it.

[Brian Bowen]

In addition to the CSB lp, Logos was also used (in a vocalised version) at one of the Councils Festivals at the RAH (can't say which one off hand, as I'm at home and my index is at work).
A choral and band (ISB) version was performed at the 1990 International Congress Composers' Festival in Wembley Arena, conducted by the composer. I think the narrator was John Gowans. I remember playing in the first band performance by the ISB (Bernard Adams) at the RAH whenever that was.

[jonford]

Ok back on topic, has anyone actually heard this CD yet?!

[Parp]

How about a further RS-A CD with the following:

The Warrior Psalm
On Active Service
Fantasia
Daystar
Logos
The High Council

YBS or ISB, just let me know when I can place my order :)

Do I have any seconders?
Ho yuss - Fantasia is a brilliant piece. I have a tape recording of it from an ancient LP (also included Vaughan Williams Prelude on Three Welsh Hymn Tunes) with the composer at the piano (and a G Trombone instead of Bass trombone). It's fantastic!

Would love to hear Logos - RSA is a great composer.

I also have a partial recording of Bristol Easton playing The Warrior Psalm at Hamilton (Glasgow) in the early 90's. My tape recorders batteries ran out half way through!

I actually have a lot of this stuff on MP3 (Lord of the Sea with Tottenham band, Pavilions of Praise with the ISB live in 92, Deryck Diffey playing Golden Slippers in 1974 in Edinburgh) but I imagine there would be copyright issues about making it available. Actually, maybe not the live stuff, seeing as I recorded it myself. Not sure what the implications are?

I'm sure I'll be told fairly quickly!

[johnflugel]

Ok back on topic, has anyone actually heard this CD yet?!

Yes - terrific recording, it's become my car music to and from work!

Amongst all the big works is a gem of an SA meditation - In quiet Pastures. The piece takes on a whole new light for me with YBS playing it -as have so many other SA works that they recorded in their 'Essays' series.

Highly recommended!!!

[keith hemming]

yep great cd had it arrive last wednesday its on in the car all the time RSA has done some brilliant compositions over the years, even in my younger days when I played in Evesham SA band if it had got RSA's name on it you thought this should be good and it was.

:clap:

[brassneck]

... rummaging through some old cassettes I found a recording by the New York Staff Band playing 'Romans 8, A Brass Celebration'. Is this the only other recording apart from YBS?

[WorldofBrass.com]

... rummaging through some old cassettes I found a recording by the New York Staff Band playing 'Romans 8, A Brass Celebration'. Is this the only other recording apart from YBS?

The Salvation Army National School of Music centered its week-long course around the piece in 1985. The 'A' Band performed it in the final concert. An LP was made and is jealously guarded by everyone that has a copy!

[PeterBale]

... rummaging through some old cassettes I found a recording by the New York Staff Band playing 'Romans 8, A Brass Celebration'. Is this the only other recording apart from YBS?
Other recordings I'm aware of are Hendon on the tape "Salvation Sounds" and the tape of the 1986 Music Leaders' Councils Festival at the RAH.

The NYSB recording I've got is on the cd "On a hymnsong", produced for the 1999 European visit.

[brassneck]

Thanks for the help guys! I was surprised how fresh the work sounds.


p.s., the other work on the tape by NYBS is 'Symphonette (Stephen Bulla)'. Is this some sort of tribute to Dean Goffin's 'Rhapsody In Brass' ??? (... there are far too many similarities throughout with harmonic progressions and snippets (inverted, developed or whatever) blatantly used from the piece). It would make a good lower section test-piece.

[Brian Kelly]

Boscombe SA Band also recorded "Romans 8" on cassette, later re-released on CD.

The 1999 NYSB CD "On a Hymnsong" to which Peter refers also includes "Symphonette". Maybe you have the casette version of this CD?

According to the CD notes:

"Commissioned by Southwestern Michegan College, the composer (Stephen Bulla) penned this concert work as a tribute to the late Commissioner (Sir) Dean Goffin (1916-1984)....

In three movements, Symphonette strongly exhibits elements of Goffin's music, in particular his "Rhapsody in Brass", however still retains a distinctly American flavour. The first movement follows a clear Goffin model, developing the opening motif in true rhapsodic nature. The melodic material gradually builds upon itself, eventually reaching a joyful, carnival-like climax.
The second movement departs from the Goffin framework, featuring a melody known in America as "The Water's Wide". The tune seems to have had its beginnings in the United Kingdom as a folk tune named "O Waley Waley". Here however, the words of the former are used as the basis for a meditative study, with the tune receiving an expanded arrangement.
The third movement reverts to the rhapsodic framework, with a lively, new motif introduced by the flugel horn and trombone. As a reference to Goffin's roots, the composer later includes a jaunty Maori melody7 known as "Shout the Sound". Following a majestic recapitulation of the movement's opening theme, the work is brought to a close in a flurry of excitement."

I agree it would make a good test piece. I believe it was also played by Norwich Citadel Band on their 1998 tour of the USA (though it is not on their tour recording) but since then it seems to have vanished, and, to my knowledge, has not been played or recorded by any other leading SA or contesting band. Maybe it has never been published?

[brassneck]

Thanks for the info. Brian! I was given more than a few cassette compilations of various SA bands and music from years gone by to get a better understanding of that particular area of banding. That David King has embraced SA music and is not shy of performing it with YBS is testament to it's quality! There should really be more volumes of RSA's works on CD by them because his output has been prolific, standing the test of time! (... including Seascapes on the next CD please, .... 2nd mvt. is pure class).

[Brian Kelly]

[QUOTE=Brian Kelly]Boscombe SA Band also recorded "Romans 8" on cassette, later re-released on CD.QUOTE]

I have managed to dig this out. It is called "Salvation Sounds Volume 1", originally recorded in 1985, released on CD in 1990. I thought that this CD also included "Daystar", but it turns out I was wrong. I doubt that "World of Brass" have it, but it may still be available from Boscombe.

[mcbm]

Has anyone mentioned The Holy War. I have not yet reached saturation with that piece - I think it's RSA's best!

[mcbm]

Hey Brian, I just realized - I wrote that program note about Symphonette!

[PeterBale]

Just realised there's a copy of "On a Hymnsong" on ebay at the moment:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1564&item=4735371484&rd=1

[Brian Bowen]

While YBS play very well and produce some juicey bass sounds, there's an excessive use of pedal notes which are not written in the scores.

[brassneck]

I just found another gem from RSA .... King's Minstrel! (from the LP 'Visions' by The Chalk Farm Band). Nice little solos throughout and lots of catchy material to keep players and audience entertained! When was this written? (sounds like one of his earlier pieces).

[carlwoodman]

I just found another gem from RSA .... King's Minstrel! (from the LP 'Visions' by The Chalk Farm Band). Nice little solos throughout and lots of catchy material to keep players and audience entertained! When was this written? (sounds like one of his earlier pieces).

It checked with him this morning.
He said he wrote The King's Minstrel in the 1960's.
He couldn't be more specific as he was writing a lot in those days.
He was flattered to learn that his music was being discussed in a forum such as this.

[PeterBale]

The King's Minstrel is a great piece to play, full of odd, quirky moments, inspired as it was by one of the early SA pioneers who wasn't afraid to make a fool of himself to attract a crowd! Played it as recently as last year with Cambridge Heath Brass.

[Parp]

The King's Minstrel is a great piece to play, full of odd, quirky moments, inspired as it was by one of the early SA pioneers who wasn't afraid to make a fool of himself to attract a crowd! Played it as recently as last year with Cambridge Heath Brass.
What's Cambridge Heath Brass? Is it any relation to Cambridge Heath SA Band? And are they still going?

[brassneck]

It checked with him this morning.
He said he wrote The King's Minstrel in the 1960's.
He couldn't be more specific as he was writing a lot in those days.
He was flattered to learn that his music was being discussed in a forum such as this.

... thanks for finding out, Carl! The modesty of RSA left me speechless (... makes a change ;) ). In my opinion, he is a giant in the history of brass band music. He takes ideas by the scruff of the neck and presents them in a way that has to make conductors, players and listeners think. I doubt if any bander has not played something by him, even if it is only warming up with his hymnbook arrangements. With Dyke and the ISB doing regular joint concerts, wouldn't it be great if he penned a double band concerto to highlight and contrast both styles of playing?

[PeterBale]

What's Cambridge Heath Brass? Is it any relation to Cambridge Heath SA Band? And are they still going?
Cambridge Heath brass is an off-shoot, if you like, from Cambridge Heath SA Band. Due to people relocating, as is common with an inner-city location, the number of active bandsmen and women was decreasing, although the corps itself was thriving, with a very active community programme and good Sunday attendnace. Cambridge Heath Brass was formed to provide a band as and when required, and is made up largely of people who have had connections with the Corps over the years. They still play for the watch-night service at St Pauls cathedral, and are off to Paris next weekend (not me, unfortunately, due to prior commitments elsewhere :( ).

[Krizz]

... rummaging through some old cassettes I found a recording by the New York Staff Band playing 'Romans 8, A Brass Celebration'. Is this the only other recording apart from YBS?

There is also a recording by the Amsterdam Staff Band, on the cd "Amsterdam Staff Band"

[flugelhornkid]

I shall look forward to the next Chatham band CD, especially if it has some RSA on it!

[WorldofBrass.com]

So, if the ISB, Enfield, Hendon, etc, or even YBS, Black Dyke, Grimethorpe, Fodens, Faireys, or Brighouse are wondering what to include on their next CD, then it seems that there would be a market for a recording of "Logos" and /or "Daystar"...

The ISB have recently recorded Daystar.
It will be the title track of their recording due to be launched at the Epic Brass II concert next month.

[John Brooks]

I recently got my hands on a relatively clean copy of the Canadian Staff Band LP "Logos" which, in addition to the title track, also includes "Sparkling Slides" and the march "High Council" from Ray Steadman-Allen.

I agree that "Logos" is overdue for a new recording but am glad to hear the news of "Daystar".