Arr by Sondra Tucker . . . Sacred Hymn Tune . . . 

This rapidly rushing arrangement is light and cute and a lot of fun to play -- it was a hit at our recent Read And Ring (we all enjoyed it thoroughly)!  The fun comes in the clever gentle syncopations that occur in often unexpected places throughout, and in the active rhythmic movement that never slows down from beginning to end.  The piece plays through the full AB melody twice, but adds extended introductions and bridges between each section and each verse that are stitched together very cleverly -- the ending is four measures of clever writing all to itself.  

There is a very active bass line, and a lot of mid-battery 8th note propulsion in the writing.  This is an audience pleaser, and we think it could be played at an even slightly faster tempo than indicated to enhance the natural excitement the music contains.  

We think this is ideal for any bell concert, and it potentially is a "show-stopper" if performed with panache and smiling faces.

Handchimes are required and necessary: 3-5 octaves from C4 up through C7 definitely, and the lower octave C3-Bb3 would be wonderful for the depth added (but is optional).

• Keys of F and G Major, 4/4 time signature, marked "lightly and and joyfully 108-122 speed

• 8th notes (some syncopations) and quarter notes and half notes predominate; there are only two measures with accidentals

• Special techniques include bass and mid-bell malleting in spots, treble suspended mallets in one spot, and one final mart

• Dynamics are all in piano-mezzo territory up until a forte in the last page; the attention to variation in the softs and mezzos is what make the piece sparkle 

© 2011  Beckenhorst Publishing