American Folk Hymn Rhapsody

Price: 
$120.00

American Folk Hymn Rhapsody

Arranger/Composer: 

Docter, Zachary

Item Code:
29740
Publisher: 
C. Alan Publications

American Folk Hymn Rhapsody cleverly combines three popular folk hymns – Cleansing Fountain, New Britain (Amazing Grace), and Come Thou Fount – set in an Americana style, merging Docter’s original voice and hints of Copland.

Program Notes

This piece is a rhapsody on three American folk hymns: Cleansing Fountain, New Britain (also known as Amazing Grace), and Come Though Fount. Since the music for these three hymns are of early American origin, I decided to write this piece in an Americana style. The piece opens with a broad theme in the trumpets. This four-note phrase serves as a motto theme. It appears throughout the piece, usually to signal a change in mood. After this opening motto theme, there is a slow atmospheric setting of Cleansing Fountain which eventually gives way to a fast Copland-esque section. Allusions to Cleansing Fountain are heard throughout this section until the momentum dies and the motto theme returns. After the motto theme, a slow section begins which leads into a lyrical setting of New Britain “Amazing Grace.” After this setting, the motto theme returns for a third time signaling the start of the final section, a setting of Come Thou Fount. This final setting is a processional which gradually builds in strength until the fast Copland-esque section returns as a fiery coda. One last statement of the motto theme closes the piece, marking an inevitable conclusion for this new work for band.
– Z.D.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2022
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 6:45

Listen to Recording

Sample PDF

  • American_Folk_Hymn.pdf
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    Instrumentation

    Piccolo
    Flute 1
    Flute 2
    Oboe
    Bassoon
    B-flat Clarinet 1
    B-flat Clarinet 2
    B-flat Clarinet 3
    Bass Clarinet
    Alto Saxophone 1
    Alto Saxophone 2
    Tenor Saxophone
    Baritone Saxophone

    B-flat Trumpet 1
    B-flat Trumpet 2
    B-flat Trumpet 3
    F Horn 1
    F Horn 2
    Trombone 1
    Trombone 2
    Trombone 3
    Euphonium
    Baritone T.C.
    Tuba

    Timpani [4 drums]
    Percussion 1: Glockenspiel, Chimes
    Percussion 2: Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Woodblock
    Percussion 3: Bass Drum