Hymns for Woodwind Ensembles

O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem
Tune: Truth from Above
Arranged by Dale Elmshaeuser

From the Hymns for Woodwind Ensembles series, this arrangement of an English folk tune promoted by Ralph Vaughan Williams begins with a straightforward congregational accompaniment. Another congregational setting has the cantus firmus in the tenor line making a duet with the bass, and layered entries in the upper two voices. Next is a more extended treatment, with each phrase of the hymn tune introduced by canonic figures related to it. The final congregational accompaniment has the cantus firmus in the alto line, and begins with it also in the bass, augmented.

This arrangement can be played by as few as four instruments (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Parts are included for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, I-III Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, I & II Alto Saxes, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, and F Horn, so that quartets can be formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. The arrangement can accompany a congregation, or it can be played as an instrumental suite of variations on the hymn. The difficulty level is 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.