Hymns for String Ensembles

Father, We Praise You/Father Most Holy
Tune: Christe Sanctorum
Arranged by John E. Frantz

The chorale Prelude of this arrangement from the Hymns for String Ensembles series has a very active, rhythmic accompaniment. The Hymnal Version from Lutheran Book of Worship and Lutheran Worship is followed by three nicely contrasting Congregational Versions. One of these has the hymn tune alternating between the tenor and the bass lines, while the soprano and alto lines consist of complementary off-beat patterns. In the final setting, the hymn tune is in the alto line while the soprano line has a descant.

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.