Be Still My Soul - Songs of Hope and Inspiration
Jason Bergman (trumpet)
Jared Pierce (piano)
Michelle Kessler (cello), Brian Bowman (euphonium), Alexander Woods (violin), Brian Blanchard (horns)
rec. 2019, De Jong Concert Hall, Brigham Young University, Provo, USA
MSR CLASSICS MS1740 [56:00]
Some necessary background to this album which, as Jason Bergman points out, unlike his previous two, is not a traditional classical album. American trumpeter Jason Bergman has performed throughout the United States, South America, Europe and China. He is currently a member of the orchestra at Temple Square where he performs weekly with the renowned Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City. In 2008, Bergman was named Associate Principal Trumpet of the Santiago Philharmonic in Chile and more recently has been Principal Trumpet of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and Mobile Opera. He has also performed with the Utah Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera and Fort Worth Symphony, as well as with the Dallas Winds on their Grammy-nominated album featuring the music of John Williams. Additionally, Bergman has performed in concert with the Canadian Brass, Rhythm & Brass and with conductor David Robertson at Carnegie Hall as part of the Weill Music Institute. He performed as a fellow at the Music Academy of the West, and has given recitals and master classes at numerous institutions worldwide.
The hymns and songs on this set have the intention of bringing hope to those who listen and many are easily recognised but particularly those interested in music associated with worship. As a regular church-goer, I’ve sung quite a few and been in or heard choirs perform them. I won’t go through every track but will comment on a selection to try to convey the pleasures of this reflective and calming album. The inspirational Amazing Grace, composed by John Newton, former Slave-Ship Captain works well in Kevin McKee's new arrangement. Be Still My Soul, is constructed on the rousing and evocative Finlandia, one of Jean Sibelius's signature pieces. It is now established as a fairly well known hymn and the arrangement by Kurt Bestor for trumpet, cello and piano is most affecting with the special prowess of Michelle Kesler on cello. John Rutter's charming What Sweeter Music is regarded as one of his best pieces and beautifully blends the trumpet and euphonium. The playing and lush sound of euphonium “legend” Brian Bowman works very successfully and will be enjoyed, I’m sure, by those who’ve had the pleasure of singing the carol as well as by brass lovers.
The press material for this disc tells us that Peter Meechan's Song of Hope is a recently composed piece, dedicated to Ryan Anthony, Emeritus Principal Trumpet of the Dallas Symphony and a former member of Canadian Brass. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012, Ryan decided to fight cancer with music, which led to the establishment of the Ryan Anthony Foundation and Cancer Blows. Their large-scale events bring together leading trumpet players in moving concerts. Like everything here, the arrangements fit very well and the playing is sensitive. A Simple Song comes from Leonard Bernstein's Mass. The violin opening from Alexander Woods is effective and blends well with Jason Bergman’s trumpet. The melody has a moving Celtic feel to it and one I’d want to return to. Just a Closer Walk With Thee is a popular piece and is given a jazzy arrangement that may appeal to others more than me.
Beautiful Savior is known as the Crusader s Hymn, here arranged skilfully by Rob Gardner. It enjoys the additional benefit of horn-playing from Brian Blanchard; the duet at the end of the piece is very fine. Der Engel from Wagner's Wesendoncklieder features text that tells of an angel who comforts those seeking peace and consolation. Again the transcription is very apt. I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus is quite bluesy and has a late-night atmosphere; a very fine way to end the recital.
This is certainly not a regular classical album but as a CD to unwind to at the end of a stressful day, it’s well worth listening to. The arrangements, playing and recording are top class. I enjoyed it.
David R Dunsmore
Contents
Amazing Grace (arr. Kevin McKee) [5:35]
I Feel My Savior’s Love [4:09]
Be Still, My Soul (arr. Kurt Bestor) [5:11]
I Am a Child of God (arr. Lane Johnson) [3:52]
What Sweeter Music (John Rutter) [3:57]
Song of Hope (Peter Meechan) [4:03]
Share My Yoke (arr. Ivor Bosanko) [3:32]
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul [4:35]
A Simple Song [3:30]
Just a Closer Walk With Thee (arr. Joseph Palmer) [4:28]
Our Savior’s Love (arr. Christopher Madsen) [4:48]
Beautiful Savior (arr. Rob Gardner) [2:51]
Der Engel (arr. Jason Bergman) [2:44]
I’m Trying To Be Like Jesus (arr. Jared Pierce) [3:19]
