Only Trust Him

Grade Level 4

Year: 2008

Type: Eb/F Solo

Composer: James Curnow

Program Notes:

As the scripture found in Acts 16:31 promises, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” This wonderful promise has been quoted in song many times over the centuries. One of these creative gospel songs that helps us to realize that we must have trust and faith in God on a daily basis is “Only Trust Him.”  The song writer, John H. Stockton (1813-1877), was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was closely involved in the evangelical work of Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey.

In this present solo setting, “Only Trust Him” is the basis for a set of brief rhapsodic variations. Beginning with a fast and light scherzo these variations gradually evolve into a cadenza (featuring the soloist pitted against the accompanying ensemble), followed by a slow and expressive setting of the original tune, and a return of the scherzo prior to a driving and energetic finale.

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)