This lyrical soprano cornet solo was written in 1989 by the late Brian Bowen for Gordon Ward of the New York Staff Band.
The title comes from a song by Ernest Rance (music) and Reginald Woods (lyrics) published by The Salvation Army in 1955. In this rhapsody Rance's melody is first alluded to by the horns, then more fully with the soloist's entry. Much of the original music is ethereal in nature, maybe reflecting the angelic hosts.
The score carries the inscription 'To the memory of Linda Ward' — Gordon Ward's wife who passed away in November 2021.
Recording
The first commercial recording was released in 1990, performed by Gordon Ward and the New York Staff Band on its Music Makers CD (TRCD 1049), available to listen to here: https://on.soundcloud.com/nHch1
PDFs and Sheet Music
PDFs available at https://www.brookwrightmusic.com/product-page/angel-voices-rhapsody-for-soprano-cornet-band-brian-bowen
Sheet music available from:
UK: www.brassband.co.uk or www.durhammusic.co.uk
USA: www.solidbrassmusic.com
