Hymns for Brass Ensembles

Hark, the Glad Sound!
Tune: Chesterfield
Arranged by John McIntyre

John McIntyre, whose suites for brass quintet have been well-received Live Oak House publications, has written his first arrangement in our Hymns for Brass Ensembles series. His Prelude weaves a repeated melody around he hymn tune in a style reminiscent of some Paul Manz organ preludes. While the trumpets carry this light, quick theme, the lower brasses pass the cantus firmus from the bass, to the tenor, and back to the bass. The Hymnal Version from Lutheran Book of Worship and Lutheran Worship is followed by a Congregational Version that begins with the hymn tune in unisons and octaves, and ends with a I Trumpet descant. The lower brasses continue the cantus firmus in octaves before dividing to provide the ending in four-part harmony. The Maestoso and marcato final Congregational Version has the hymn tune in the II Trumpet, with the I Trumpet playing a descant above it. The setting ends Allargando, with the original theme of the Prelude.

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 be formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. The arrangement can accompany a congregation, or 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.