Hymns for String Ensembles

Beautiful Savior
Tune: Schönster Herr Jesu/Crusaders' Hymn
Arranged by John E. Frantz

This arrangement for string quartet from the Hymns for String Ensembles series begins with a Prelude that can stand alone as a composition in its own right. It has the embellished hymn tune in the bass line, with interesting shifts between 4/4 and 6/8 meters. After the Hymnal Version from Lutheran Worship, there are three Congregational Versions. In the first of these, the viola (tenor line) plays the melody most of the time, accompanied by eighth notes, shifting to eighth-note triplets in the Violins. The Viola continues with the melody in the next setting. In the last setting, the Violins play the melody in octaves over running eighth notes in the Viola and Cello.

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 Dounble Bass, reading from the same score. Parts are included for upper Viola and upper Cello, so that quartets can formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. In addition, parts for I, II and 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 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.