Comments by Lieut-Colonel Dr Ray Steadman-Allen O.F.
This Maori melody, a romantic song of farewell, has been adopted by The Salvation Army and married with the words:
- Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
- Try me, O Lord, and know my thoughts I pray;
- See if there be some wicked way in me;
- Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
From a technical point of view, this will present few problems for either the soloist or the band. The soloist must try to produce a sweet, lyrical sound throughout, which should be mirrored by a sympathetic band accompaniment. Ensure that the written ornamentation in the latter stages of the solo does not obstruct the melody, but is merely a decoration.
Program note
This arrangement for Cornet, of the beautiful Maori melody, was originally written for David Daws. The melody is associated, within Salvation Army circles, with the words, 'Search me, O God'. (view series guide)
Produced by The Salvation Army, SP&S, UK
