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Hymns for Orchestral Ensembles

Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Arranged by Kenneth T. Kosche

The Prelude of this arrangement in the Hymns for Orchestral Ensembles series begins with the treble instruments playing a pastoral descending line in parallel thirds to introduce the carol tune, which then passes from the soprano to the tenor to the alto lines. Four Congregational Versions follow: one with the tune in the soprano, one with the tune passing from soprano to tenor to alto, one with the tune in the tenor, and one with the tune shared by soprano and tenor amid active eighth-note accompaniments.

This arrangement can be played by as few as four instruments (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) from the same or different instrumental families, or by as many as a wind ensemble (concert band), chamber orchestra, or full orchestra (minus percussion). Orchestration suggestions are given for a large group. The arrangement can accompany group singing, or it can be played as an instrumental suite of variations on the carol. The difficulty level is 3.

Full set includes a Conductor/Keyboard Score; transposed parts for individual woodwind, brass, and string instruments; background notes; and suggestions for performance. As with all Live Oak House publications, purchasers have permission to reproduce any material in this set for (only) their own use.

Arrangements for Orchestral Ensembles

Six Traditional Carols
Arranged by Dale Elmshaeuser

Like the consistently best-selling sets of Six Traditional Carols for brasses, for woodwinds, and for strings, this very flexible arrangement contains carols not found in any of the other suites. The Carols are "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came" (Tune: Gabriel’s Message); "The Hills Are Bare at Bethlehem" (Tune: Prospect); "Unto Us a Boy Is Born" (Tune: Puer Nobis Nascitur); "On Christmas Night All Christians Sing" (Tune: Sussex Carol); "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night" (Tune: Winchester Old); and "On This Day Earth Shall Ring" (Tune: Personet Hodie). Each carol begins with a Traditional Setting, followed by an Alternate Setting that has more harmonic or rhythmic interest. The instrumentalists can play alone or with the organist, who can read from the Conductor/Keyboard Score. Musical devices include canons, descants, and tune in parallel fourths.

This arrangement can be played by as few as four instruments (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) from the same or different instrumental families, or by as many as a wind ensemble (concert band), chamber orchestra, or full orchestra (minus percussion). Orchestration suggestions are given for a large group. The ranges are suitable for group singing. The Traditional Settings can accompany group singing, or instrumental suites con be made of the Traditional Settings, the Alternate Settings, or any combination of settings. The difficulty level is 3.

Full set includes a Conductor/Keyboard Score; transposed parts for individual woodwind, brass, and string instruments; background notes; and suggestions for performance with or without the congregation and choir. As with all Live Oak House publications, purchasers have permission to reproduce any material in this set for (only) their own use.

Arrangements for Strings

Two Early American Carols
I Wonder as I Wander(Tune: Appalachian Carol)
We Three Kings (Tune: Kings of Orient)
Arranged by Evan Becker

As in the first and second sets of "Two Early American Hymns," the arranger has devised a large amount of harmonic and rhythmic vitality from two well-known tunes. In both movements, the carol tunes appear in surprising places and ranges, moving from one instrument to another amid intriguing rhythmic figures. Either one separately or both together as a suite are useful for quiet times in the worship service or for program occasions. This arrangement is challenging, but will be appreciated by advanced high school and church instrumentalists, as well as by those in university-level ensembles.

This arrangement is for a string quartet of I & II Violins, Viola and Cello. Alternate parts are included for another Viola, another Cello, I-III Clarinets and F Horn. Flutes could play the I Violin part, and Oboes could play the II Violin part. However, due to the wide range and difficulty of these string parts, woodwind instruments should be considered as providing the possibility of a substitue for a missing string instrument or as doublings for larger ensembles, rather than to be used as an alternate woodwind quartet. The difficulty level is 4+.

Full set includes a Full Score, transposed parts for all the instruments mentioned above, and suggestions for performance.