Hymn-Fantasia on “Lyra Davidica”

A mini suite that is based on 1) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and, 2) “We Gather Together” an Austrian carol from the 17th century.The score is solid in part management but adds motifs of punctuation to add flavor. There are optional percussion parts for those who want to add more color to the performance.

Scored for various mallet instruments as well as general percussion. The piece begins with tutti percusion overlayed with vocal narrations giving a dramatic effect. The piece then explodes with a mallet ostinato and then joined with tutti mallets on the theme. Next, after a ritardando, the mallets present a calm thematic rendition supported by gentle effects of the other percussion. It builds to a strong climax and the ostinato returns with the theme to follow. The final section uses imitative devices with the general percussion becoming more active. Until it all leads up to a stirring conclusion.

The score is set up for 2 trumpets, horn, 2 trombones and tuba. The medley includes: “God Of Our Fathers,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and ending with “America.” It captures all the grandeur and majesty one would expect in an arrangement such as this.

The introduction of this brass sextet (3 Trp., 3 Trom.) begins with strong choral movement and then settles into repose. The first presentation of the tune is in the trombones with a subtle counterline in the trumpets which then opens up to a stronger movement with the melody in the trumpet. The tune then reverts back to the trombones and then transitions to a move active support pattern in the trombones with a solo in the second trumpet. The final section gives way to a powerful presentation of the tune and immediately settles into a sensitive climate, much like the beginning. After a DC the piece ends with the strong motifs of the introduction giving a sense of finality. (Opt Horn for 1st Trom.)

A brass sextet with opt. parts for flugelhorn and BHTC. The beginning presents a vigorous fanfare where it settles down into solemn rendition of “We’ve A Story To Tell To The Nations.” After a modulation the piece continues with “I Love To Tell The Story” with more open scoring passing the tune around amongst the parts. Another modulation, another tune- this time “Send The Light” in a march style giving purpose. Another modulation leading into “Since I Have Been Redeemed” in the upper parts, only to be followed with the theme in the lower voices. Then after a sequence of cascading entrance the piece concludes on a resounding sense of resolve.