Music Stuff
Some of my favorite pieces played by the church orchestra are arrangements that combine a hymn or praise song with another, famous piece of music. Not a medley, but a style of arrangement, often with the introduction of the classical piece segueing into the hymn.
One of my favorites combines Bizet's Farandole with the hymn "Glorious Is Thy Name." I simply cannot find a recording anywhere online, except for this video. It's unfortunately only the last minute, but I really like how the different melodies seem to alternate in this part.
Another is "You Are My All in All" with the famous/infamous Canon in D. It's a very natural combination. And unfortunately I cannot find a non-vocal, full orchestra version of it, either! This piano one appears to be the same arrangement, but it loses a lot of the depth and subtlety that all the different instruments can give.
Another one I heard again this morning (inspiring this post) is a little more unusual; it's "Victory in Jesus," but with an extended fanfare opening, repeated at the ending. It is VERY exciting music! And thanks to our local classical station, I'm reasonably sure the arranger was directly inspired by Erich Korngold's score to the Errol Flynn film "The Sea Hawk." The opening phrases at 0:07 are not identical in the hymn arrangement, but very very very close, and the arranger extends it into a fullblown fanfare. It's pretty cool. Definitely wakes everyone up for the service. ;) I don't know the arranger (I need to ask my dad, who is in the orchestra) so I haven't even attempted to find it yet.
And finally, here's another one the orchestra has done: Fanfare and Fantasy on Lobe Den Herren. Also known as "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." But the fanfare and fantasy part is really cool! It's not a soundtrack, but sounds like it should be. Magnificent.
The orchestra did record a CD several years ago; I think 1 or 2 of these is on there, including the Farandole. I need to find that and figure out a way to share them.