sounds of praise - gospel arts 2005

This weekend the time came round for the Army's annual Gospel Arts Concert, held once again at the Royal Albert Hall and entitled "Sounds of Praise"

The Internationla Staff Band kicked off the evening with a rousing rendition of JS Bach's "Toccata in D Minor", played to their usual high standard. As if in a subtle juxtaposition, the International Staff Songsters were next up with a piece entitled "With Wings As Eagles". I must say I was a little disappointed with their diction and performance, and if I didn't have a programme, would have guessed the piece to be called "With Wins as Eels".

After Major Peter Ayling's prayer/mini-sermon, the evening's guests, the Amsterdam Staff Band and VasaGospel, as well as cornet soloist David Daws.

The ASB started with a piece named "Vitae Lux", a nice and lively arrangement by Norwegians Frode Alnæs and Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen.

In the presence of the composer, Lt-Col Norman Bearcroft, David Daws played the solo he is most well known for, "Golden Slippers", ably accompanied by the ISB.

The ISB continued the programme with a Kevin Norbury piece, "Rhapsody On A Theme By Purcell", a piece which was heavy to say the least.

VasaGospel then brought two songs, both of which were well performed and well received.

The ASB's next contribution was "Sinfonietta - The Dawning" by Peter Graham, which served as the band's big piece for their "Symphony of Hope" tour of the UK. A number of people I spoke to during and after the evening felt this was a bit too much like a test piece and that it took a bit too long to get going. These comments notwithstanding, the piece was played well and appreciated by the most part of the audience.

The second half began with Michael Clack on the RAH organ (which presumably didn't break when he played it this time) playing the Marche Triomphale "Now Thank We All Our God". In my humble opinion those who consider this to be music perhaps will not see eye to eye with me on what music is.

Next up was "A Time of Praise and Worship" (what was the rest of the evening?) which did seem a) to be a token gesture and b) to be a little forced.

The ASB then brought "Chassidic Dance" by their leader Howard Evans, before VasaGospel brought another three songs, which were the same kind of songs as they had previously contributed.

David Daws brought two more solos, again accompanied by the ISB, "'Mid All The Traffic" and "Hejre Kati".

In an unexpected (or not on the programme at least) appearance by the TC, Lt-Col Cr Ray Steadman-Allen was awarded the Order of the Founder, and in a break from last year's tradition, the presentation and acceptance did not take an hour.

By this point, the concert had been going on for about 3 hours, and people were getting noticeably bored and agitated.

The ISB premiered a new Kenneth Downie piece, "King Of Heaven" based on the great hymn "Praise, My Soul". This was again rather heavy and not so well received due to the fact it was a long way into the evening.

The ISS then brought their feature on 25 years of ISS, featuring former members and leaders. Sadly they did not perform to the high standard one would expect of the premier Salvation army choir.

After Commisioner Helen Clifton brought a scripture message, the ISS brought the RSA piece "Vesper" and the evening was concluded with "Hail, Thou Once Despiséd Jesus". The Salvationist described this as "poignant" but I describe it as a bit raucous and too loud.

Back tomorrow with the happenings of Sunday at the Rink with the ASB.

Tim