Hymns for String Ensembles

Let Our Gladness Have No End
Tune: Narodil Se Kristus Pan
Arranged by Frederick Frahm

From the Hymns for String Ensembles series. The Prelude begins with all playing in unisons and octaves. Melodic fragments from or related to the hymn tune provide the dance-like material that is at times accompanied by chords in off-beats, or else played in canon. Next is the Hymnal Version from Lutheran Book of Worship, followed by a Congregational Version which relays the hymn tune among the upper three voices. The final, Congregational Version starts with the I Violin and Viola playing the hymn tune in their high octaves, moves to all unison/octaves to begin the third phrase, and diverges slightly from the hymn tune at the end. The II Violin and Cello finish after the final note of the hymn.

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.