Hymns for String Ensembles

Come, You Thankful People, Come
Tune: St. George's, Windsor
Arranged by Dale Elmshaeuser

From the Hymns for String Ensembles series. The chorale Prelude begins with an original theme in canon in the Cello and II Violin, which introduces and is interspersed between phrases of the hymn, doubled in octaves in the Viola and I Violin. Next, the Hymnal Version from Lutheran Book of Worship and Lutheran Worship is followed by three Congregational Versions: a dance-like conversation between I Violin and Cello; the hymn tune alternating between II Violin and Cello around a harmony line in the Viola under a descant of long tones in the I Violin; and a full, majestic final setting with another I Violin 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.