To God Be the Glory - Hymn Arrangement (PDF file for download)
Very Advanced Level (Concert/Diploma/Professional Level)
Suitable for offertories, specials, concerts, recitals. Not for congregational accompaniment.
Verse 1 begins with majestic octave runs and full chords, in the familiar key of Ab major. Be careful to voice chords and melodies. Relax between the difficult runs and leaps to prevent injury. Sing the melody internally to feel the phrases, and feel free to use dynamics to create interest and musicality.
Verse 2 modulates to Gb major and the tempo/time signature broadens to create an emotive, rich, warm feeling.
The pianist needs to be aware of harmonic changes and clarity/specific durations, in relation to pedalling in this verse, or some chords may clash. There are also many fragmented countermelodies and voicing challenges between hands, as the melody is often played in octaves, so it is important to voice appropriately and clearly.
Verse 3 is largely like verse 1, just in G major, with some word painting specific to the verse. E.g. 'purer and higher,' uses a 'pure' G major broken chord sequence that gets higher in register. Triumphant ending for a wonderful hymn that points toward the hope of heaven.
Youtube video to come soon!
I first wrote this arrangement as a simple vocal melody + piano accompaniment arrangement for the church we were attending at the time, just to be for an easy special item with no vocal parts. The emotive nature of the second verse really touched me, so I was inspired to rewrite that arrangement as a piano solo arrangement.
