When He Cometh
Hymn Arrangement by Mary Katherine May
of Quality Music and Books
I was inspired to compose this arrangement of When He Cometh during a potluck supper and hymn sing we hosted at our home on July 4, 2010, when Carol Nelson, wife of Pastor Bud Nelson (Community Missionary), requested it be sung as it reminded her of the hymns sung when she was a child.
There are many hymns designated over the years as children's hymns, when they are also a blessing and inspiration, teaching God's Word, to adults as well. I think it important to remember that in God's eyes we are all children. I recall from my time as a music director in churches how enthusiastically Jesus Loves Me was always sung, yet it is rarely used during worship services.
This arrangement is scored for the following instruments.
Soprano Recorder
Alto
Flute
Triangle
Bells
Piano
Cello
Handbells
O Little Town of Bethlehem
by Phillips Brooks (text) & Lewis Redner (tune)
arranged for Vocal Solo and Piano
by Mary Katherine May
of Quality Music and Books
My arrangement of O Little Town of Bethlehem was composed with my friend, Donald Nelson, a tenor, in mind as the one to sing this solo. And thus, it is dedicated to him. It is a bit unusual to use a 12/8 meter in arranging the Christmas hymn, yet the arpeggiated chords support the melody quite well.
For demonstration purposes I used oboe for the vocal part, and yet the piece also works nicely as a C-instrument solo.
I invite you to read the article I wrote about Phillips Brooks on another of my blogs, Hymn and Commentary.
The STAR
Star of the East
We Three Kings
arranged by Mary Katherine May
of Quality Music and Books
Scored for ...
soprano solo with flute and oboe obbigato
or
vocal duet with flute obbligato
and piano
The Epiphany song, Star of the East, has long been a favorite of mine, and with the first year of producing our television program, The House United, and our first Christmas show, it seemed a good time to write an arrangement using this piece by Amanda Kennedy.
When we taped the music, the soprano solo was sung by Jan Brown of Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in New Hope, MN, and flute played by Wendy Grimes of the same church. I sang the lower vocal and played the piano.
