Arrangements for Brasses

Five German Folk Hymns
Arranged by Dale Elmshaeuser

This arrangement for brass quartet from the Arrangements for Brasses series contains the hymns "O Jesus So Sweet" (Tune: O Jesulein Süss); "God Loves Me Dearly" (Tune: Gott Ist Die Liebe); "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb" (Tune: Weil Ich Jesu Schäflein Bin); "Sing to the Lord of Harvest" (Tune: Wie Lieblich Is Der Maien); and "Now the Light Has Gone Away" (Tune: Müde Bin Ich, Geh' Zur Ruh'). The set could almost be titled "Children's Hymns," since four of them also fit this category. One of them, "Müde Bin Ich, Geh' Zur Ruh'," has often been sung to small children as a lullaby.

These arrangements will find many uses, especially in Lutheran parishes with German backgrounds. They will provide often-sought material for brass ensembles to play at outdoor worship services during summer churh picnics, when no organ is available to lead congregational singing. They will offer music for devotional times that may be part of parish Oktoberfests. They can be played also for worship services that recognize or involve the children of the congregation.

The notes are easy enough for middle school instrumentalists to play, thus amplifying the theme of children. However, the possibilities for a rich ensemble sound with great expression makes them suitable for more advanced ensembles as warm-up and performance material. There is a four-part harmonization of each hymn, along with an optional descant: two for Trumpets, two for F Horns, and one for Trombones.

This arrangement can be played by as few as four instruments (typically I & II Trumpets, and I & II Trombones). Parts are included for I & II F Horns, Baritone T.C., and Tuba, so that quartets can formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. The settings can accompany a congregation, or they can be played as an instrumental suite. The difficulty level ranges from 2+ to 3-.

Full set includes a Conductor/Keyboard Score, transposed parts for individual instruments, background notes, and suggestions for performance with or without the congregation and choir.