A ground breaking recording of varied music by the pen of composer Erik Leidzen, both sophisticated and accessible with the added bonus of featuring three world class soloists. This recording was made in support of the Clarence Adoo Trust.
Erik Leidzen’s (1894 – 1964) enduring works for brass band include demanding solos, festival selections, stirring marches and an outstanding series of hymn meditations, selections and hymn tune arrangements that have maintained their place in the active repertoire. The repertoire presented on this recording embraces all these areas, standard favourites as well as premiere recordings of lesser known, or newly restored works. All tracks are composed or arranged by Erik Leidzen.
Leyland Band are conducted on this recording by Salvationist John Ward who brings a deep understanding to all the featured items. He creates compelling interpretations of each title, and has uncovered a whole new repertoire available to non-Salvation Army bands. It’s not too long ago that the Salvation Army catalogue of music was unavailable to non-Salvation Army bands. We are grateful that policy no longer applies and the wonderful repertoire can now be enjoyed by bands of all types. Leyland Band, in common with many others, now regularly feature compositions and arrangements originating from the many talented composers and arrangers of the Salvation Army in its concert programming.
The solos here are provided by three of the finest brass musicians around. Kevin Ashman (cornet) demonstrates amazing virtuosity in the title track, ‘Songs In The Heart’, as does Davur Juul Magnussen (trombone) with his tremendous performance of the ‘Concertino For Band And Trombone’. David Childs (euphonium) provides a more lyrical, but no less stunningly performed item, ‘The Song Of The Brother’.
Listen to a flavour of the varied music on offer on this recording:-
| 1. | Pressing Onward | ||
| 2. | Songs In The Heart | cornet soloist – Kevin Ashman | |
| 3. | Post Bellum Rhapsody | ||
| 4. | What A Friend | arr. Erik Leidzen | |
| 5. | Concertino for Band and Trombone | trombone soloist – Davur Juul Magnussen | |
| 6. | EFG | ||
| 7. | Sinfonietta | ||
| 8. | Humouresque | from Folk Songs for Band | |
| 9. | The Children’s Friend | ||
| 10. | The Song of the Brother | euphonium soloist – David Childs | |
| 11. | Abide With Me | arr. Erik Leidzen ad. Ronald Holz | |
| 12. | Manhattan | ||
| 13. | The Old Rugged Cross | arr. Erik Leidzen ed. Ronald Holz | |
| 14. | None Other Name |
The ‘Songs In The Heart’ CD is now available for purchase and shipping in the UK and internationally. Hear a flavour of the varied offerings on this CD recording here:-
