Review

Various
Twenty Four Favorite Hymns:

Arranged by Barton Cummings


Massapequa, NY, United States
Publisher: Cor Publishing Company
Date of Publication: 2005

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Barton Cummings needs no introduction to low brass teachers and performers. Many are familiar with The Contemporary Tuba and Teaching Technique on Brass Instruments. Cummings has arranged a set of hymns that every working brass quintet should have in its library. When an arranger sets a four-voice hymn for quintet, the tuba often simply doubles the trombone at the octave. Cummings seems to have deliberately avoided this technique and allows the tuba to serve as the sole bass line while the trombone and horn provide appropriately voiced harmony in support of the trumpets. The voicings in these arrangements are quite good and the hymns are easy to play. It is worth including the hymn titles:
God of Our Fathers
When Morning Gilds the Skies
This is my Father’s World
Rise Up, O Men of God
Softly and Tenderly
Rock of Ages
For the Beauty of the Earth
Just as I am, Without One Plea
Amazing Grace
I Love to Tell the Story
Holy, Holy, Holy
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
From Greenland’s Icy Mountains
My God, I Thank Thee
Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine
Fairest Lord Jesus
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Faith of Our Fathers, Living Still
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Abide with Me
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
These arrangements cover a lot of liturgical territory and are particularly suited for Protestant services.

-David Johansen
Southeastern Louisiana University