Organ accompaniment for hymns

[Guest]

I love great hymn singing... I love great organ accompaniment for hymns even more. I love some of the modulations, descantsand pedal point I hear in hymn arrangements. I'm a sucker for many of the arrangements you here in the English tradition. Does anyone know of any books or collections you'd recommend where some of these great arrangements can be found?</P>

[Guest]

Re: Organ accompaniment for hymns



I agree totally. This is one subject I love to discuss.I prefer the melody to remain prominent and the harmonies to be fresh but not weird. Here are some that work for me.</P>


Jerry Westenkuhler has 3 sets of intros out that are grand. Titled "7 Majestic Hymn Intros" (3 vols.) Not to be missed by anyone is also the <U>14 Christmas Carol</U><U> </U><U>settings</U>.</P>


Fred Swann and Richard Unfried have volumes under the Crystal Cathedral banner. More composers are probably published too. Lots of modulations included</P>


Noel Rawsthorne has several volumes ("200 Last verses, etc.) that are a staple for last verses. There's also another volume by Malcolm Archer called "After the Last Verse" that improvises on hymn tunes. I've found them, with some modification, to be useful for introductions too. (Also great meditation and "fill" material).</P>


David Cherwien has volumes and volumes of hymn arrangements that work, pared down, for intros. HisVolumes 1 and 2of "Pull Out the Stops" are a must for Lutheran and liturgical communities. Also the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal is now publishing a companion for ALL of its hymns. Included are introductions and some harmonies. Also, a vocal descant collection is offered. How cool is that?</P>


Michael Burkhardt has several volumes of simple chorales based on hymn tunes. They're great for easy service music, teaching and can work for introductions and unison singingtoo. The collections arecalled "Easy Hymn Settings" but don't let the name fool you. Lots of integrity in his writing.</P>


John Ferguson has "Hymn Harmonizations for Organ," in several volumes. Introductions and alternate verses are included. Great for hymn festivals.</P>


Charles Callahan has a nice collection called "The Art of Hymn Playing". Most is on 2 staffs so pianists could use it too. Harmonies don't stray much so it's a good primer for congregations not used to the organ embelishments.</P>


T. Tertius Noble is a venerable name, but the melody isn't always clear to me.</P>


There are many, many others.You could spend a years salary on just this.Find a compose who's hymn voluntaries you like and see if they've composed some hymn accompaniments. Keep it fresh, keep it exciting, but keep it clear! Make sure the choir knows whats going on and you'll be successful!</P>


Take care.[]</P>
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[Guest]

Re: Organ accompaniment for hymns

Thanks for all the great suggestions, Ludwig! I totally agree on keeping the accompaniments fresh, exciting, but CLEAR melodic line so that the melody is not lost! I'm so excited...thank god for pay day and online shopping!

[Guest]

Re: Organ accompaniment for hymns

You're welcome. Anyone else have suggestions?