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Unpublished: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)