Hymns of Zion

This is my Opus 68.

It is orchestral settings of LDS Hymns, all from the 1985 Hymnal, in 8 movements, (arranged by gospel theme), for orchestra and SATB chorus.

One person, reviewing movement 1, called this a "medley of hymns". That is not correct, for a medley merely plays (states) the hymns without any changes to them.

My work makes extensive changes to the hymns I have used. The first verse is typically in the original key (from the Hymnal) with "standard" melody and harmony. Succeeding verses, however, frequently change key, sometimes meter, and often harmony, preserving the original melody in at least one of the vocal lines. In some cases I add words to the verse. In some of the hymns, I combine two or three in unusual ways. In one case (movement 3) I show the use of different words to the same hymn melody, as the word 'meter' is the same - this technique, although detailed in the back part of the Hymnal, is seldom used in our meetings. In another case (the first hymn in movement 4) the verses are all in the minor key - quite unusual in our use of Church music - but in the fourth verse I change the ending substantially to the major key.

My point is that I intend this work to stand as an example of how we can use hymns in new musical ways. (See my opera "Mantle of the Prophet" for additional examples of using hymns in an orchestral/choral setting.)

Some of the hymns I used are well-known, while others are less known. Most of my hymn settings are for chorus and orchestra, but a few are instrumental (with some unusual combinations of instruments).

Here are the movements, with the hymns used in each one (42 hymns, total).

0 - Prelude, Fanfares for Brass

#15 - "I Saw a Mighty Angel Fly:

#14 - "Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel Brings"

#13 - "An Angel From On High"

1 - The Restored Church

#5 - "High On the Mountain Top"

#85 - "How Firm a Foundation"

#27 - "Praise to the Man"

#26 - "Joseph Smith's First Prayer"

#179 - "Again, Our Dear Redeeming Lord"

#224 - "I Have Work Enough to Do"