FAITHFUL

“Faithful” was commissioned by Bandmaster, Gavin Lamplough to help celebrate The Salvation Army Birmingham Citadel’s 125th anniversary in 2017.

‘How firm a foundation’ (SASB 804) is featured in the first section and speaks of a faithful God. This leads onto a reference to the well-loved hymn ‘Great is thy faithfulness’, however unusually set in the minor (Letter D).

The core of the music features a beautiful song that has been written and recorded by contemporary Christian recording artist, Sara Groves. The lyrcis for the first verse of ‘He’s always been faithful’ are included below: Morning by morning I wake up to find The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine Season by season I watch Him, amazed In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful to me

The final tune utilised is Southport and the associated words, ‘A charge to keep I have’ (SASB 946). This tune is an essential part of the music for band, ‘The Present Age’, written by Leslie Condon. As such, there are some musical references to this ground-breaking music.