 |
Hear My Prayer CD - David Childs |
|
|
Out of stockOUT OF STOCK - DOWNLOAD ONLY |
DO NOT ADD TO CART - FOLLOW DOWNLOAD LINK |
David Childs performs beautiful sacred meoldies and songs accompanied by the Hendon Band of The Salvation Army under Bandmaster Stephen Cobb, Organist Philip Wilby, and Harpist Georgina Wells.
Track List
1. Abide With Me, Lyte, 3.07
2. Ave Maria, Gounod/Bach, 2.21
3. Hymn from Adiemus, Jenkins, 2.59
4. Easter Hymn, Mascagni, 2.42
5. Pearl Fishers Duet, Bizet, 5.48
6. O Holy Night, Adam, 4.19
7. Benedictus, Jenkins, 5.12
8. Hear My Prayer, Mendelssohn, 5.05
9. The Lost Chord, Sullivan, 4.09
10. Swedish Hymn, Traditional, 3.44
11. The Old Rugged Cross, Bennard, 4.17
12. Bless This House, Brahe, 2.43
13. Angels Guard Thee, Godard, 3.10
14. If With All Your Hearts, Mendelssohn, 2.13
15. Comfort My People, Redhead, 5.10
16. Softly Awakes My Heart, Saint Saens, 5.31
17. I’ll Walk With God, Webster/Brodsky, 4.48
Total Playing Time: 68.44
Review:
David Childs hails from an illustrious musical family but his personal renown justifiably stems from his unquestionable artistic talent and his immense instrumental ability. There can be few people in need of education in this respect but just ibn case, go and acquire a copy of his latest album on the Doyen label entitled Hear My Prayer. Beautifully accompanied by the Hendon Band of The Salvation Army under the direction of Stephen Cobb, David displays great lyricism and phrasing in a selection of sacred melodies. There is no exuberance or bravura ñ in the context of the chosen music itís not needed and it is more than reassuring to hear such fine musicianship in an age where so much modern writing for brass seems not to call on such a fine touch.
The programme choice is rich and well conceived. Everyone who listens will have their own favourite piece as the seventeen tracks span a breadth of mood without losing the essence of the meaning of the CD. There are some sublime highlights including David and his father playing Bizetís Pearl Fishers Duet and tracks that include Philip Wilby on organ and Georgina Wells on harp which are delightfully welcome contrasts in tonality.
The gentle and sympathetic accompaniment from Hendon SA Band is stunning at times, as is the atmosphere impact of organ and harp accompaniment in Davidís own arrangement of Mendelssohnís Hear My Prayer, from which the album takes its title.
I have to confess my favourite as being Swedish Hymn in a super arrangement by Peter Graham. Famously known as the popular hymn ëHow Great Thou Artí the music is expansively arranged to the extent that one is tempted to sing along with it (I didnít) and with due deference to Davidís own sleeve notes, Dadís top F is the tops!
Overall this is a CD well worth buying. In their own calm and quiet manner most of the tracks offer both moments of tranquillity and passion and, better still, at times there is a rare sense of beauty and divine worship via the synergy of soloist and accompaniment. There is a special ending to the album which David describes as a tribute to a voice ìwhich was almost certainly heaven sent: that of Mario Lanza.ì Iíll say no more and leave it to you to make up your own minds; you wonít be disappointed.
RICHARD FRANKLIN
The Brass Herald ñ February, 2004
