Arr by Douglas Wagner . . . Hymn Tune . . . 

This is imaginative and playful music, as the title says -- it takes the Jesus Loves Me hymn and plays it twice through, with an introduction and bridges between sections, and a closing cute coda.  The music goes through key changes, from Eb to D to G and last to Bb -- and these modulations are what propel the music ahead.  The music is straightforward, with lots of the action in the trebles and lots of the harmony in the quarter-note bass part.  

The publisher labels the music Level 3, but it is really a 2 or perhaps 2+, which is how we've rated it on our website --  the two lonely and easy weaves and the simple syncopation simply are not enough for a Level 3 rating in our view.  The ending is quick, with a final ring-touch -- and the music plays cheerily along.  

This is excellent music for a youth concert, or as an encore in a regular concert.

• Several major keys (Eb, D, G, Bb), 4/4 time signature, marked "lively" 116 speed

• Quarter and 8th notes throughout; there are a very few accidentals, with easy weaves attached

• The final ring-touch is the only special technique

• Dynamics start at forte, and basically stay there and increase to ff for the second half

© 2012  Lorenz Publishing