Brass Bands of The Salvation Army - Their Mission and Music Volume Two
March 01 2008
Ronald W. Holz
CD 95490
This book is a sequel to Dr. Holz’s first volume, which concentrated on the bands themselves and their history and future. This second book is of a more technical nature and, in its first half, looks in considerable detail at the structure of a Salvation Army band and its evolution over the decades into the ensemble we know today.
This book is a sequel to Dr. Holz’s first volume, which concentrated on the bands themselves and their history and future. This second book is of a more technical nature and, in its first half, looks in considerable detail at the structure of a Salvation Army band and its evolution over the decades into the ensemble we know today. Along the way, we are introduced to some of the influential figures of the past, such as Frederick Hawkes, Arthur Goldsmith and Richard Slater, and introduced to interesting and unusual items as the ‘monstre’ Bb bass, the BBb bass trombone and the Chalk Farm Saxophone Quintet. The history of the Salvation Army publishing and musical instrument divisions are also examined, again in detail, as is the layout of the band scores, in which there was some variation over the years, complete with facsimile examples.
In the second half of the volume, Dr. Holz examines and analyses representative works of the international Salvationist repertoire (with copious music examples and facsimiles of original scores), beginning with some of the earliest known examples and continuing up to the present day. In his introduction, the author pleads for understanding from those who might criticise the omission of this band or that composer, but precious little, if anything or anyone, seems to have been overlooked. Indeed, the book is so comprehensive and up-to-date, that the present reviewer was flattered and pleasantly surprised to fi nd even himself receiving a mention, as well as some of Kenneth Downie’s pieces relatively unknown to those outside Salvationist musical circles.
The ever-developing musical styles of The Salvation Army are examined with reference to their influences, and one fi nds the names of the vast majority of the composers and arrangers from all over the globe, whose work forms the staple diet of Salvation Army bands. The future is not ignored and rising stars of today appear in the final chapter. Andrew Blyth, Martin Cordner and Andrew Mackerreth, for instance, all receive mention, together with other contemporary personalities from the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.
In addition, examination is made of the spiritual aims which lie at the very heart of the Salvationist musician’s ministry, and each chapter bears a quote culled from a variety of sources (as diverse as General Booth and G.K. Chesterton) commenting on some aspect of Salvation Army banding.
As an overview and a record of how Salvation Army music developed and where it stands today, this book is invaluable and provides an insight into what, for many decades, has been an enclosed world to those outside its embrace. The scholarship and diligence of Dr. Holz as a researcher is exemplary and this book stands as an indispensable reference tool for anyone wishing to delve into this fascinating subject.
Rodney Newton
British Bandsman, Saturday 1st March 2008
