All to Jesus was featured in the Melbourne Staff Band repertoire for their 2015 tour of Scandinavia and England ahead of their participation in the Salvation Army’s international congress. ‘Boundless 2015’ was held in London’s O2 Arena and celebrated 150 years of service no too far from where The Salvation Army had its origins in the east end of London.
The music was written in July 2014 at the request of the family of Melville Smith who died from cancer in March, 2003.
Melville was a fine, humble Christian gentleman and Salvationist. He was a stalwart member of the Ringwood Corps Band and exemplary member of the tenor horn section of the Melbourne Staff Band (1976 – 2003).
The music received its premiere from the Ringwood Salvation Army Band, Australia (Bandmaster Mark Hamilton) as part of their 12th annual Concert for Cancer on 20th August, 2014. Each year, all concert proceeds go to local charity, Cancer Council Victoria.
All to Jesus is primarily based on the well-known hymn, I Surrender All (Salvation Army Song Book, number 474). The lyrics by Judson W. Van DeVenter (1855-1939) were set to music by Winfield S. Weeden (1847-1908) and it was subsequently published in 1896. This work for brass band also makes fleeting references the chorus All there is of me, Lord and the 1994 treatment of I Surrender All (published in The Salvation Army’s Sing to the Lord, Volume 1, part 1) for mixed voices by David Chaulk.
It is hoped that this music is a worthy tribute to the memory of Melville.
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