CD: Pulse

CD of the Month November 2018

PULSE
The International Staff Band
Bandmaster: Dr. Stephen Cobb
SPS: 419 CD
Buy this CD here!

The latest recording from The International Staff Band of The Salvation Army takes its title from Pulse by Martin Cordner. Written for the band to première at Regent Hall in 2017, it takes its inspiration from a meeting the composer attended on the subject of integrity, pursuing this thought using the melodies Refiner's Fire, Teach me to dance and Holy, Holy, Holy. There is a recurring pulse motif, which seems appropriate as a reflection of the disc as a whole.

Whilst it may no longer be a requirement for Salvation Army music to include a hymn tune, nevertheless the intention is that it will be an aid to worship by means of challenging, encouraging or stimulating the listener. The music chosen here, all recent compositions and largely by the newer generation of composers, fits that purpose admirably.

Stephen Ponsford's Let there be light, which opens the disc, combines the idea of the introduction of light in creation with the image of Jesus as the Light of the World. The music has an immediate impact, highlighting the impressive playing of the band. His other contribution, The Armour of God, considers the six elements of that armour, encompassing a range of styles and with some particularly delicate passages in Helmet of Salvation.

Kenneth Donnie's Jehovah Nissan - The Lord is my banner uses various melodies encouraging the Christian to stand firm, with echoes of earlier works such as Majesty and Music of Thanksgiving, whilst principal cornet Karl Nielsen presents a new solo, Compelled, based around the vocal item, Compelled by Love. The fireworks of the outer sections contrast nicely with the lyrical centre section. Andrew Wainwright’s Variations on 'Was Le bet' takes the melody through various styles, including a fugue and a French waltz reminiscent of Sadie.

Some of the most telling playing comes in the devotional items, with Dorothy Gates's The Living God and Joel Collier's He watches being particularly welcome additions to the repertoire. Andrew Blyth's Still provides an oasis of calm, whilst Paul Sharman's At the cross, written for a recommissioning in 2014, masterfully combines various tunes relating to the Easter story with a subdued rendition of At the cross where I first saw the light and a triumphant climax towards the end.

The playing throughout is first class, well-balanced, and distinguished by excellent direction and solo contributions. One to look out for, come next year’s Recording Awards!
 
PETER BALE

 
This review appeared in the November 2018 edition of BBW. For more reviews, articles and news subscribe to BBW Digital, available to read online (annual subscription: £30), or subscribe to BBW's printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World). Alternatively, receive both the Digital and printed editions combined: £55 (UK); £83 (Europe); £96 (rest of the world) - saving 50% on the Digital edition! Click here to subscribe!