Hymns for String Ensembles

Faith of Our Fathers
Tune: St. Catherine
Arranged by John E. Frantz

In this arrangement for string quartet from the Hymns for String Ensembles series, once the hymn tune begins in the chorale Prelude's fugal setting, it continues uninterrupted, passing from one instrumental line to another. Other harmonizations include the Hymnal Version from The Baptist Hymnal (1991) and The United Methodist Hymnal (1989) and two more versions that could accompany congregational singing. There is also a purely instrumental setting of a meditative nature.

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.