Programme Note
These early works, all choral or vocal in one way or another, and some with accompaniment, some without, were written for the Salvation Army when I was a member of that church. The choral pieces are generally reflective in mood, whilst the solos, all written for soprano voice, were written for friends, and are ‘showpieces’, full of coloratura writing but also with slower and more reflective middle sections.
Most were published by the Salvation Army, mostly later than the date of composition, whilst some have not been published at all. However, they represent my early efforts at setting religious texts, and were valuable in gaining experience in that particular compositional genre.
Published by SP&S:
Soldiers of Salvation, 1962; male voices and piano
Before the Cross, 1965; choir SATB/organ
Before the Cross, 1965; arr. version for male voices a cappella
The Good Shepherd, 1966; solo voice and piano
A Child’s Reverie, 1966; children’s voices and piano
Dare to be a Daniel, 1964; children’s voices and piano
Hidden in God, 1965; mixed voices and brass ensemble
The Scene of Calvary, 1964; choir SATB a cappella
Concert Aria: I’ve Found a Friend, 1966; soprano voice and piano
The Song of the Three Wise Men, 1967; children’s voices and piano
No need to lose the way, 1966; treble voices and piano
Unpublished:
Concert Aria: Song Unending 1964; soprano voice and piano
O Perfect Love 1967; soprano voice and piano
Concert Aria: To Sing His Praise 1967; soprano voice and piano
Written: 1962
Instrumentation:
various: choir SATB, solo voices, children's voices, piano, organ
Genre: Vocal & Choral
Publisher: SP&S
Duration: 2' - 5'
First Performance: 1962 - 1967
various, including Royal Albert Hall, London, UK
various choirs, various soloists, including Mary Edge, Elizabeth Honeyball, Ann Ross (sopranos), Edward Gregson (piano)