Hymns for String Ensembles

Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel
Tune: Veni, Emmanuel
Arranged by John E. Frantz

Since the chorale prelude of this arrangement from the Hymns for String Ensembles series is over two and one-half minutes in length and reminiscent of a fast movement from one of the Brandenburg Concertos, it is a composition in itself. It contains the entire hymn tune, but not always as expected! Because of the perpetual motion and high ranges, the alternate woodwind parts should not be considered as providing the possibility for a woodwind ensemble performance, but rather as making available an alternate part for a missing string instrument. The prelude is followed by the hymnal version, a 2-part setting for Violin and Cello, and two more florid settings -- one with the hymn tune in the II Violin part, and the final one with it in the Viola line. Each of these four settings is suitable for accompanying singers, and is playable by an all-woodwind ensemble.

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 it can be played as an instrumental suite of variations on the hymn. The difficulty level ranges from 3 to 4.

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.