Hymns for String Ensembles

Once Again My Heart Rejoices (All My Heart This Night Rejoices)
Tune: Frohlich Soll Mein Herze Springen
Arranged by Dale Elmshaeuser

From the Hymns for String Ensembles series. For the Prelude, the first two phrases of this Christmas chorale are played in fugal style by the Cello and II Violin. After the Viola and I Violin add the first two phrases of the chorale in octaves, the Cello and II Violin continue with their fugal treatment of the third and fourth chorale phrases, once again joined in octaves by the other two instruments playing the same phrases. The Prelude ends with the last phrase of the chorale played in augmentation by the two inner voices. After the harmonization from Lutheran Book of Worship (except in D Major), there are three new settings, each in four-part harmony. The first is in hymnal style, with a counter melody in the I Violin. It is followed by one that begins each two phrases with layered entries. The final setting is a joyful, dance-like treatment in 12/8 time.

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 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.