Hymn Improvisations (LHS)

“These arrangements of hymn tunes for harp, alone and with other instruments, are suitable for worship services as well as weddings and other celebrations.  They are intended for the musician who desires a variety of styles, textures, and instrumentation.  The settings are designed to enhance the mood of each hymn tune, and are for both lever and pedal harps.

                Seven of these pieces require no changes of levers or pedals, while most of the others have only a few changes…The parts indicated for “melody Instrument” may be played by flute, violin, oboe, recorder, tone bells, or even cello…

This is My Father’s World

This much loved hymn, which is played throughout many denominations, is written in a folk music style, suggesting a melody with guitar accompaniment.  The right hand plays melody and a few of the accompaniment notes, which is obvious when following the dynamic markings.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

This lovely old English melody was adapted by Martin Shaw to fit verses by a 19^th century poet…The “Royal Oak” tune is in the first verse of the vocal part, with the rest of the composition improvising on the tune…

Morning Has Broken

American congregations have rediscovered the beautiful Gaelic melody “Bunessan,” after it became popular through a recoding in the 1970’s…Play this arrangement in a moderate, lilting style with lots of expression.

Jesus, My All, to Heaven Has Gone

Traditionally used in the Southern churches, this hymn is an old spiritual in the hexatonic scale and should be played slowly and expressively…The harp solo may work as an independent piece when a melody instrument is not available.

How Firm A Foundation

A traditional American Folk melody, this tune was first published in 1837.  The pentatonic structure makes it easy to play in three different keys with only one flat added for the last section…This piece is fun to play and suitable for such times as Thanksgiving, where American folk music fits the theme of the worship service.  It is also an unusual recital solo.

Beautiful Saviour

Although “Schonster Herr Jesu” seems to be the oldest name for this tune, it can be found in hymnals under the names of “Crusader’s Hymn” and “St. Elisabeth.”  It is an old Silesian melody…The harp part works alone as a solo, while the added part is first in unison, then a descant.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

This meditative Lowell Mason tune should be played thoughtfully.  A short introductory motif becomes woven into the accompaniment.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

A 17^th century French melody, “Picardy,” is used for this advent hymn…In the first and last sections of this setting, the harp should be quiet and ethereal, accompanying the melody which is almost like plainsong in its simplicity…

The Lord’s My Shepherd

The hymn usually set to the tune “Belmont” is based on Psalm 23, an expression of faith…

My Jesus, I Love Thee

This duet works with either a piano, electronic keyboard, second harp, or even organ playing the second part.  The tune “Gordon” is popular in many American congregations.

O Sons and Daughters

“O Filii et Filiae” is and Easter hymn found in Catholic and Protestant hymnals. While the Protestant version has a dance-like 6/8 rhythm…the Catholic version is in unmeasured chant style.  Both versions are used here…

Simple Gifts

A Shaker tune, this piece is especially suitable for Thanksgiving services.  The “B sharps” in the harp part produce a chord with two unison “C’s” which creates a dulcimer-like sound when arpeggiated…The optional percussion part is for a third player, and can be tapped on almost any small drum or hollow wooden instrument…The melody part of this tune is especially good on piccolo or sopranino recorder.” J. Borgwardt

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