Review

Various
Twelve Hymn Preludes and Offertories Volume 2:

Arranged by Ran Whitley

B-flat trumpet B-flat trumpet (alt horn in F) Trombone (alt horn in F, baritone TC) Trombone (alt baritone TC, tuba)

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2024
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

The need for more music in the brass quartet catalogue is always apparent. Overshadowed by the well-established brass quintet repertoire, the brass quartet can come off as ancillary. However, the brass quartet is in fact quite versatile, musically diverse, and fundamentally can be more practical, specifically for the employment of music in church services.

Ran Whitley’s second volume of Twelve Hymn Preludes and Offertories is a pertinent addition to the brass quartet catalogue for liturgical functions. Whitley arranges classic hymns in a predominately homogenous texture and writes for accessible range, while maintaining musical and harmonic variety with added introductions and interlude sections. The keys of the hymn tunes are varied but not challenging (ranging from  four flats to one sharp key signature). Whitley has included specific dynamic and articulation markings for musical variety. Intended for two trumpets and two trombones, Whitley has also included substitution parts for French horn, baritone in treble clef, and tuba. 

Hymn tunes included in the volume are "Come, Thou of Every Blessing," "Only Trust Him," "Morning Has Broken," "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come," "Sweet Hour of Prayer," "Lift Every Voice and Sing," "Come, Christians, Join to Sing," "The Lone, Wild Bird," "Christian Hearts in Love United," "Thine Is the Glory," "Mine Eyes Have Seen Glory," and "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."