Hymns for String Ensembles

From Shepherding of Stars
Tune: Shepherding
Arranged by Richard Hillert

From the Hymns for String Ensembles series, this arrangement was written by the composer of the hymn tune. The Prelude is based on a recurring melodic group of three eighth notes and two quarter notes, beginning after an eighth rest. It ends with the final phrase of the hymn tune in augmentation. A setting complementing his Lutheran Book of Worship and Lutheran Worship harmonization follows, before an alternate congregational accompaniment that departs briefly from the hymn tune. The arrangement ends with a fantasia filled with imitative figures that are fragments of the hymn tune.

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.