Review

Martin Luther
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word:

Arranged by John Hilfiger

SATB chorus with horn, trombone, or viola

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2003
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Primary Genre: Chamber Music

The Geistliche Lieder is an early compilation of the Christian congregational songs used in Wittenberg from the time of the Reformation. The first collection of songs was published in 1529 with subsequent revisions and expansions. The hymn, “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word,” is attributed to Martin Luther and was included in Catherine Winkworth’s Chorale Book for England in 1863. The hymn was also used by J.S. Bach for his Cantata 126. This arrangement is a setting of SATB chorus with horn, trombone, or viola employed as an obbligato instrument. The brief, straight-forward arrangement is not technically difficult but lacks rest. The constant playing may wear on the trombonist as the tessitura lies mostly between b and g1. A brief instrumental solo precedes the three hymn stanzas. Horn or viola may be preferable but trombone is a viable option. The mostly homophonic choral parts should require minimal rehearsal. This arrangement provides an opportunity for a talented, high school level soloist to participate in a work that can add nicely to a worship service.

-Kevin Chiarizzio
Liberty University