Forte
Derick Kane (euphonium)
The International Staff Band of the Salvation Army/Dr Stephen Cobb
rec. World of Sound at All Saints’ Church, East Finchley, March/June 2016
SP&S RECORDING SPS400CD [72:18]
The Salvation Army music ministries have always been blessed with a wealth of musical talent and outstanding solo performers. This disc features euphonium virtuoso Derick Kane. He was born in Hamilton, Scotland into a Salvationist and very musical family, and began playing the euphonium at the age of nine. He has performed with the ISB since 1976.
This disc feature 12 brass numbers arranged with euphonium solos or highlights. Cornetist Paul Sharman has been with the International Staff Band since 1994, and he arranged two interesting compositions performed here; the opening number Forte, a galloping fanfare highlighted by a bright and vigorous euphonium solo, and Star Lake Variations, a medley of short pieces varying in style and rhythm. Col. Brindley Boon was an outstanding journalist, songwriter, and composer who wrote A Starry Crown in 1947. The song is a slow, sweet and thoughtful brass meditation with a beautifully lingering melody. Lt. Col. Norman Bearcroft founded both the International Staff Songsters, as well as the Canadian Staff Band of the Salvation Army. He composed the uplifting piece The Better World, the longest song in this collection. The arrangement is tight and fluid, with an interesting call-and response between the brass sections, and Derick explores the euphonium’s high range with amazing dexterity and grace.
Lt. Col. Ray Bowes was a cornetist with the International Staff band for 42 years, and also played flugelhorn, as well as serving as Bandmaster for several years. Ray composed The Pathway, with a repeating passage with variations in rhythm and lead instruments. Flower Duet is a famous duet from the opera Lakme by Leo Delibes, first performed in 1883. Generally sung by two sopranos, it is performed here by Derick on euphonium and his son Stephen playing baritone. The gospel song writing team of Ron Harris and Claire Cloninger penned They Could Not, a gentle vocal number so sensitively-played that the euphonium resembles a human voice singing. Howard J. Evans is a well-known pianist, teacher and conductor who has served as National Bandmaster United Kingdom and conductor for the Amsterdam Staff band. He composed When He Cometh, an interesting piece inspired by William Orcutt Cushing’s 1856 “the jewel song”, and arranged with marvelous dynamic changes and bells. Kenneth Downie is a well-known composer of brass band music. His arrangement of the hymn St. Clements features Derick performing with fellow euphoniumists Jonathan Evans, Graham Lawrence, John Starkes, David Taylor and Andrew Hedley. The six euphoniums together create a bold, harmonious sound that is warm and rich, but tends to overpower the other instruments.
Bruce McCollum
Contents
Forte [4:08]
When He Cometh [5:03]
Some Glad, Sweet Day [9:08]
They Could Not [4:37]
A Starry Crown [5:10]
Divine Right [3:38]
Star Lake Variations [6:26]
Life Of A Day [5:41]
The Pathway [8:46]
The Flower Duet [6:03]
The Better World [9:12]
St. Clements [4:26]
