Seize the Day
27-Jun-2010
The ISB grabs the chance to show off its considerable talents with their latest release.
International Staff Band
Conductor: Dr Stephen Cobb
SP&S Ltd: SPS 267 CD
Total playing time: 68.08 mins
The latest release from the ISB under Doctor Stephen Cobb was planned to coincide with their recent visit to the USA Western Territory, with much of the repertoire on the CD featured during their tour.
Most of the works are fairly new compositions, including one by Ralph Pearce, currently the Divisional MD in the USA Western Territory’s Southwest Division, and playing trombone in the USA Western Territorial Band, but who originates from Wales.
Commissions and dedications
Several of the pieces were written for specific occasions, with the opening march ‘South Shields Celebration’ (Martin Cordner) marking the 130th anniversary of the corps at South Shields, the home of George Marshall, whose tune of the same name is featured, albeit in a rather unusual form!
Other dedicatees include the Territorial Youth, Enfield Citadel and Birmingham Citadel Bands, together with the ISB itself. The title track ‘Seize the Day’ (Peter Graham) was produced for the recent collaborative recording with Black Dyke to mark the composer’s 50th birthday.
Soloists showcased
Another link is found in the solo ‘Canaan’s Land’ (Peter Graham), a response to the similarly punning ‘Air ‘n’ Variations’ written by Stephen Bulla for NYSB euphonium star Aaron VanderWeeler.
Whilst the sleeve notes refer to ‘Peter Graham’s own inimitable style’, the writer seems to pay homage to the solos written for Derick by Norman Bearcroft over the years.
It is a fine display vehicle, with a central lyrical section framed by the expected fireworks, and all carried off with considerable panache.
The other soloist is the fine soprano Gary Fountain. Stephen Bulla’s ‘The Higher Plane’ also incorporates both lyrical passages and more energetic writing, and Gary makes the most of his opportunity to take the spotlight, with sympathetic support from the band.
Major works
The major works include Steven Ponsford’s ‘Turris Fortissima’, which combines traditional hymns with more modern worship songs which Steven brings off by incorporating various musical references to God protecting His people, including a brief quote from Dean Goffin’s ‘My Strength, My Tower’.
’Seize the Day’ draws its inspiration from the spiritual, opening with the bustle of ‘The Gospel Train’, continuing with that favourite of rugby crowds ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’, before concluding with the repeated phrases of ‘Amen’.
The format gives the composer the opportunity to use a variety of styles, alluding to ‘Steal Away’ in the middle section and a quick, energetic outburst in the last part that could have been lifted straight from ‘MacArthur Park’!
Service and Praise
Paul Sharman’s substantial, ‘Purpose’, written for the Territorial Youth Band in 2009, reflects on the Christian’s wish to serve the purpose of God, setting the song ‘Dare to be a Daniel’ against more reflective melodies.
This is one track where the band seems to be trying a little too hard, forcing the tone to the detriment of the overall sound. The same writer’s ‘Psalm of Thanks’ is based around the hymn tune, ‘Nun danket alle Gott’.
Martin Cordner’s inspiration for ‘Let Everything Praise’ comes from Psalm 148, and he uses the tune ‘St Francis’ as he develops the idea of all creation uniting in praise, whilst also drawing upon Igor Stravinsky’s ballet music from ‘The Firebird’.
Meanwhile, William Gordon brings elements of the Wild West to his march medley ‘Heavenward’, with references to familiar TV series.
Hymns in contrast
Kenneth Downie brings his customary skilful application of harmony and texture to a setting of ‘Harton Lea’ under the title ‘The Joy of Loving Hearts’, whilst Ralph Pearce fashions ‘There is a Redeemer’ into a trombone ensemble.
The latter was written in response to the destruction of the World Trade Centre in September 2001, and reflects on God’s presence even in the face of such a tragedy.
Both presentation and performance are of a generally high standard and, if not the most striking recording the International Staff Band has produced, there is nevertheless much to enjoy.
Peter Bale
What's on this CD?
1. South Shields Celebration, Martin Cordner, 3.37
2. Let Everything Praise!, Martin Cordner, 5.18
3. The Higher Plane, Stephen Bulla, Gary Fountain (Soprano Cornet), 6.13
4. Purpose, Paul Sharman, 8.56
5. Heavenward, William Gordon, 2.01
6. The Joy of Loving Hearts, Kenneth Downie, 4.51
7. Turris Fortissima, Steven Ponsford, 9.17
8. Canaan's Land, Peter Graham, Derick Kane (Euphonium), 8.29
9. Psalm of Thanks, Paul Sharman, 5.01
10. There is a Redeemer, Ralph Pearce, 5.03
11. Seize the Day, Peter Graham, 8.29
