Occasionally, as a choir director, I have been blessed with the talents of a really great, accomplished accompanist. And even more rarely, that accompanist enjoyed playing classical music. That allowed me the opportunity to create some arrangements that showed off her skills.
The bonus came when the choir and accompanist complimented each other! We had fun with a few hymn arrangements that played up the Style Period they best fit in --- somewhere between Baroque and Classical Periods (1685-1840).
The bonus came when the choir and accompanist complimented each other! We had fun with a few hymn arrangements that played up the Style Period they best fit in --- somewhere between Baroque and Classical Periods (1685-1840).
"Glory to God on High" SSATB Text by James Allen (1734-1804) Music by Felice de Giardini (1716-1796) This hymn of praise has an exuberant accompaniment for piano. The choir is not forgotten. The women split into 3 parts over the men singing unison during the minor key section that describes the Crucifixion. Then all parts break loose with praise and rejoicing to the end "Worthy the Lamb!."
"How Wondrous and Great" SATB Text by Henry U. Onderdonk (1789–1858) with music attributed to Joseph Martin Kraus (1756–1792) This hymn arrangement has many featured parts -- for the pianist, the Alto section solo, and a descant for the soprano section. The pianist has many adventures through modulations. The choir also shines through variations in layered dynamics. This is an exhilarating song of praise.
"With All the Power of Heart and Tongue" 2-Part Mixed Chorus Text by Isaac Watts 1674-1748. I decided to try my hand at furnishing this lively, upbeat hymn text with an equally upbeat melody and setting. The accompaniment may be played by either Piano or Organ. The Choir parts are sung in unison or 2-parts, until the last verse where the Soprano section sings an optional descant. Another lively song of praise.
I have relished the times when as a choir director I have had talented, wonderful, accomplished accompanists at my disposal! It was so great to make music with them!
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