Hymns for String Ensembles

Abide with Us, Our Savior
Tune: Christus, Der Ist Mein Leben
Arranged by John E. Frantz

From the Hymns for String Ensembles series. The chorale Prelude has the hymn tune in augmentation and diminution simultaneously. After the Hymnal Version from Lutheran Worship, there are two Congregational Versions, before a Transition modulates from D Major to E Major for the final setting. In the third setting the hymn tune is in the bass line, and in the last setting it is in the alto line.

This arrangement can be played by as few as four instruments (typically I & II Violins, Viola, and Cello). The Cello part can of course, be augmented with or replaced by Double Bass, reading from the same score. Parts are included for upper Viola and upper Cello, so that quartets can be formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. In addition, parts for I, II & III Clarinets and for F Horn are included, so that substitutions can be made for missing stringed instruments. 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.