Description
Program Notes:
Often when people talk about the hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they focus on the lyrics of the hymns. This sentiment makes sense. Words convey explicit meaning; music does not.
But my love of the hymns has always been music first, words second. Though the lyrics of many hymns contain powerful declarations of doctrine and belief, words on their own speak only to the mind. It’s the music that speaks directly to your body and thus provides a catalyst for the lyrics to enter your soul.
Ever since I was a young child, I loved what singing the hymns felt like in my body. Those sensations added a dimension beyond what speaking the words or listening to the music could convey.
This suite of hymn arrangements for concert band seeks to capture that “dimension beyond” for three beloved hymns: “Redeemer of Israel,” “Our Savior’s Love,” and “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.”
“Redeemer of Israel” dances because it overflows with joy.
“Our Savior’s Love” bends and flows because it submits in humility and awe to a Power and Wisdom greater than itself.
“A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” peals out with fanfares because the care we give to others reveals not only the love and mercy Christ showers on us, but also the image of Christ imprinted in every living soul.
Though these hymn arrangements will never be performed in a sacrament meeting (good luck fitting a concert band in a chapel’s choir seats), it’s my hope that listeners will feel in their bodies—and find inspiration from—their reverence, worship, and faith.
My sincere thanks to Dr. Shawn Smith and the Brigham Young University Wind Symphony for commissioning these arrangements.
Year Composed: 2025
Commissioned by: Dr. Shawn Smith and the Brigham Young University Wind Symphony
Instrumentation:
- Picc.; Fl. 1, 2; Ob. 1, 2; E.H.; Bsn. 1, 2
- Cl. 1, 2, 3 (B♭); B. Cl.; C-A Cl. (=Cb. Cl.)
- A. Sax. 1, 2; T. Sax.; Bar. Sax.
- Tpt. 1, 2, 3 (B♭); Hn. 1, 2, 3, 4 (F); Tbn. 1, 2; B. Tbn.; Euph.; Tba.
- D.B.
- Timp., 5 Perc., Hp.. Pno.
Duration: 14 minutes
Premiere: Forthcoming
Performance History: complete performance list
Perusal Score: Download Now
Parts: Email me.
