Hymns for String Ensembles

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
Tune: St. Peter
Arranged by John E. Frantz

The contrapuntal chorale Prelude of this arrangement from the Hymns for String Ensembles series has the cantus firmus in the bass. The Hymnal Version from Lutheran Book of Worship and three Congregational Versions complete the arrangement. The 2-part setting B is expanded by one part for setting C, and by yet another for setting D in 4-part harmony. The arrangement is moderate in difficulty and range, making it very accessible to young string players.

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 2.

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.