Arrangements for Brasses

Three Irish Hymns
Arranged by John McIntyre

This arrangement from the Arrangements for Brasses series is an excellent sequel to McIntyre's "Three American Folk Hymns." The smooth sound is similar: rich harmonies, listenable, yet sprinkled with pleasant harmonic surprises. The first movement ("Slane") is quiet and meditative; the second ("St. Patrick's Breastplate") is very quick, with some instruments muted at times; and the last ("St. Columba") returns to the style of the first. The second movement is for advanced high school musicians, but the others are playable by most high schoolers. The piece is very suitable for worship and for contests, and it will find a place with professional ensembles, too.

This arrangement is scored for a standard brass quintet (I & II Trumpets, F Horn, Trombone, and Tuba): but other parts are included, so the quintet can be formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. This is an instrumental composition, not suitable for congregational accompaniment. The difficulty level is 4/5.

Full set includes a Full Score, transposed parts for individual instruments, background notes, and suggestions for rehearsal and performance.