Arr by Michael Ryan . . . Thanksgiving Hymns . . . 

This is a lovely arrangement for the Fall and for Thanksgiving season in particular -- combining three of the great hymns of Thanksgiving, one after the other (introduced by a key change each time).  (The hymns are Now Thank We All Our God (Nun Danket), Morning Has Broken (Bunessan) and We Gather Together (Kremser).  The music is basic Level 2 throughout, with a little more emphasis on Now Thank We than the other two, which are played once through toward the slowing ending -- and as these later two hymns are used, the harmonic and rhythmic speed picks up, signaling a positive mood.  

This is excellent seasonal music for any service in October up to Thanksgiving itself, and is excellent for getting a choir started after summer vacations.

• Keys of Bb and Eb and F, 3/4 time signature, marked "confidently" 100 speed

• Quarter and 8th notes throughout, with some dotted quarter/8ths; there are a very few accidentals, easily done

• A measure of swings and a final RT are the only special techniques

• Dynamics are forte-mp-forte, covering the three sections; the performance is straight through, with only one speed change

 © 2012  Lorenz Publishing