Three Hymns from the British Isles Brass Quartet (Various/arr. Hilfiger

GRADE 3

Three hymns that are known and loved throughout the English-speaking world are presented here in completely new settings. All the players get their turns at the melody and interesting countermelodies. The three hymns are: Jerusalem, (Hubert Parry) The King of Love My Shepherd Is, (18th-century Irish) and Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (John Hughes). This set is certainly appropriate for use in church services, but also interesting enough that you may want to play it your next concert. Known as the "unofficial English national anthem”, Jerusalem is Hubert Parry's setting of a poem by William Blake. It meditates on an ancient legend that Joseph of Arimathea brought Jesus, as a youth, to England, to establish a new Jerusalem. The patriotic song became popular during World War I and the tune has been adapted to several hymn texts, eg. O Lord, You Are My God and King, and O Day of Peace. The tune known as St Columa dates to 18th-century Ireland and has become connected, in modern hymnals, with Henry Baker's hymn, The King of Love My Shepherd Is. It is one of several hymns based on the 23rd Psalm. This arrangement uses lush, modern, harmonies which make proper intonation and balance especially important for the players. CWM Rhondda (pronounced "koom ronda') is the Welsh name of the Rhondda Valley. This is also the name of a favorite hymn tune which is attached to several Welsh and English hymns. English speakers are probably most familiar with Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer (or Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah), although many hymnals connect God of Grace and God of Glory to this tune. This arrangement is an entirely new setting, with three variations, in which each of the players gets at least a bit of the tune.

SOUND SAMPLE