Old Rustic Bridge - Nathan Miller, alto horn (tenor horn)

Old Rustic Bridge - Erik Leidzén (1894-1962), arr. nathan miller
nathan miller, soloist - alto horn
Jeffrey Barrington and Chase Hawkins, cornet
Chase Teachey, euphonium
Eddie George, tuba
Originally composed by Erik Leidzén for American alto hornist, Howie Chesham, Old Rustic Bridge is a virtuosic showpiece for the alto horn and is a staple of solo repertoire for the instrument. Both Leidzen and Chesham were members of the Salvation Army, and the piece was published by the SA as a solo with brass band accompaniment. Salvationists sing this tune to words by Albert Orsborne, "Except I Am Moved With Compassion" (text copied below). The piece is a theme and variations solo with an extended cadenza before the presentation of the theme, which is followed by three variations, the first is fast in a triplet variation, the second is slow and in minor, and the final variation is fast with a sixteenth note setting of the theme.
1.
THE Savior of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved
For the world which He loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the laborers are few,
And still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep,
And still straying sheep to be led.
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I know I can find this in Thee.
2.
O is not the Christ 'midst the crowd of today
Whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will He not show
To the hearts that would know
The things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear
Or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move
With the Master's own love,
Without His anointing and seal?
3.
It is not with might to establish the right,
Nor yet with the wise to give rest;
The mind cannot show
What the heart longs to know
Nor comfort a people distressed.
O Savior of men, touch my spirit again,
And grant that Thy servant may be
Intense every day, as I labor and pray,
Both instant and constant for Thee.
Albert Orsborn, 1886-1967

[@bobjacobson858]

I just purchased one of these horns, and am looking forward to playing it. It feels like a 'toy' compared to my baritone and tuba. It has a nice sound that will complement the other instruments, including the trumpet.

[@spiderwebb3486]

I just purchased a Yamaha Neo tenor horn and it is great.