Deus Solus (meaning God Alone) was composed for the Melbourne Staff Band's 130th anniversary at the request of Bandmaster Ken Waterworth. It is based on three Christian tunes - the 18th century hymn O God, our help in ages past, and the more contemporary songs God and God alone (Phill McHugh) and Chris Bowater's Faithful God. The work begins quietly and with a sense of the unknown, with references to O God, our help in ages past, alluding to the formation and early days of the band.
