Description

The trombone choir setting of the hymn tune explores the dark and lyrical qualities of the melody. The work opens with several brief quotes of the hymn melody and is followed by an original tune designed to imitate the character and style of the hymn tune. As the musical quotes build to a climax, the original tune segues into an ethereal resolution, thus reflecting a much lighter mood. The passage prepares the listener for a surprising jazz waltz that gives a fresh take on the hymn melody that originally seemed so sombre. David F. Wilborn