Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719736 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. Octavo. 12 pages. Curtis Hanson #4573109. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719736). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart, Just As I Am, without One Plea, and Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name.

Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719735 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. Octavo. 10 pages. Curtis Hanson #4573081. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719735). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Make Me a Captive, Lord, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, and Abide with Me.

Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719728 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. Octavo. 11 pages. Curtis Hanson #4573003. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719728). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include This Is My Father's World, I Love to Tell the Story, and Faith of Our Fathers.

Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719737 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. Octavo. 11 pages. Curtis Hanson #4573093. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719737). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Breathe on Me, Breath of God, Blest Be the Tie That Binds, and More Love to Thee, O Christ.

Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719734 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. Octavo. 10 pages. Curtis Hanson #4573071. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719734). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include My Faith Looks Up to Thee, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, and Nearer, My God, to Thee.

Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719730 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. Octavo. 10 pages. Curtis Hanson #4572983. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719730). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include He Leadeth Me, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, and O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee.

Vocal Solo,Voice - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719761 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. 8 pages. Curtis Hanson #6069327. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719761). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include He Leadeth Me, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, and O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee. This collection of arrangements is also available for SATB voices and piano or piano solo.

Vocal Solo,Voice - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719768 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. 9 pages. Curtis Hanson #6069393. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719768). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Breathe on Me, Breath of God, Blest Be the Tie That Binds, and More Love to Thee, O Christ. This collection of arrangements is also available for SATB voices and piano or piano solo.

Vocal Solo,Voice - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719766 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. 9 pages. Curtis Hanson #6069385. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719766). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Break Thou the Bread of Life, Come, Ye Thankful People, Come, and We Gather Together. This collection of arrangements is also available for SATB voices and piano or piano solo.

Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719733 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. Octavo. 11 pages. Curtis Hanson #4573041. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719733). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Break Thou the Bread of Life, Come, Ye Thankful People, Come, and We Gather Together.

Vocal Solo,Voice - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.719767 Composed by Various. Arranged by Curtis Hanson. Sacred. 8 pages. Curtis Hanson #6069391. Published by Curtis Hanson (A0.719767). As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include Make Me a Captive, Lord, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, and Abide with Me. This collection of arrangements is also available for SATB voices and piano or piano solo.

Bass Flute,Instrumental Solo,Piano - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549846 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Concert,Easter,Sacred,Standards. Score and individual part. 12 pages. Jmsgu3 #3554877. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549846). Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the voice is calling us) from Cantata BWV 140. Duration: ca. 4:00, Score: 6 pages, solo part 1 page, piano part: 4 pages. Program this for church services during the Easter season, weddings, or as a recital encore.Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) also known as: Sleepers Awake Bach composed his church cantata Wachet auf (BWV 140) as part of his second annual cantata cycle covering the entire annual church calendar. It is based on the hymn of the same name by Philipp Nicolai (1599). The hymn text covers the readings for the 27th Sunday after Trinity. Bach designed the cantata in seven movements, setting the stanzas in various forms. Among these forms are the chorale fantasia, the chorale prelude, and a four-part chorale. He casts the new lyrics as recitatives – in a manner similar to the opera. Fourth Movement Bach writes the fourth movement, Zion hört die Wächter singen (Zion hears the watchmen singing), in the style of a chorale prelude with the chorale phrases performed as a strict cantus firmus. The phrases seem to enter at times erratically against the famous lyrical melody. The violins play this melody in unison as a foil against the cantus phrases. The violin melody is so independent and complete that when the cantus melody appears it catches the listener at times totally off-guard. Bach later transcribed this movement for organ (BWV 645). This transcription became No. 1 of the Six Schübler Chorales. Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with the instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and certainly the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival               Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV. &n.

Euphonium,Piano - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549854 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Concert,Easter,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 12 pages. Jmsgu3 #3555095. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549854). Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the voice is calling us) from Cantata BWV 140. Duration: ca. 4:00, Score: 6 pages, solo part 1 page, piano part: 4 pages. Program this for church services during the Easter season, or as a recital encore.Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) also known as: Sleepers Awake Bach composed his church cantata Wachet auf (BWV 140) as part of his second annual cantata cycle covering the entire annual church calendar. It is based on the hymn of the same name by Philipp Nicolai (1599). The hymn text covers the readings for the 27th Sunday after Trinity. Bach designed the cantata in seven movements, setting the stanzas in various forms. Among these forms are the chorale fantasia, the chorale prelude, and a four-part chorale. He casts the new lyrics as recitatives – in a manner similar to the opera. Fourth Movement Bach writes the fourth movement, Zion hört die Wächter singen (Zion hears the watchmen singing), in the style of a chorale prelude with the chorale phrases performed as a strict cantus firmus. The phrases seem to enter at times erratically against the famous lyrical melody. The violins play this melody in unison as a foil against the cantus phrases. The violin melody is so independent and complete that when the cantus melody appears it catches the listener at times totally off-guard. Bach later transcribed this movement for organ (BWV 645). This transcription became No. 1 of the Six Schübler Chorales. Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with the instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and certainly the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival                 Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  .

Woodwind Ensemble Flute - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549859 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Concert,Easter,Sacred,Wedding. 24 pages. Jmsgu3 #3556989. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549859). Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) from Cantata BWV 140. Duration: ca. 4:00, Score: 10 pages, Program this for church services during the Easter season, weddings, or as a recital encore.Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) also known as: Sleepers Awake Bach composed his church cantata Wachet auf (BWV 140) as part of his second annual cantata cycle covering the entire annual church calendar. It is based on the hymn of the same name by Philipp Nicolai (1599). The hymn text covers the readings for the 27th Sunday after Trinity. Bach designed the cantata in seven movements, setting the stanzas in various forms. Among these forms are the chorale fantasia, the chorale prelude, and a four-part chorale. He casts the new lyrics as recitatives – in a manner similar to the opera. Fourth Movement Bach writes the fourth movement, Zion hört die Wächter singen (Zion hears the watchmen singing), in the style of a chorale prelude with the chorale phrases performed as a strict cantus firmus. The phrases seem to enter at times erratically against the famous lyrical melody. The violins play this melody in unison as a foil against the cantus phrases. The violin melody is so independent and complete that when the cantus melody appears it catches the listener at times totally off-guard. Bach later transcribed this movement for organ (BWV 645). This transcription became No. 1 of the Six Schübler Chorales. Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with the instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and certainly the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival               Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  Voyager      

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549860 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Concert,Easter,Sacred,Wedding. 14 pages. Jmsgu3 #3557041. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549860). Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) from Cantata BWV 140. Duration: ca. 4:00, Score: 10 pages, Program this for church services during the Easter season, weddings, or as a recital encore.Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the Voice is calling us) also known as: Sleepers Awake Bach composed his church cantata Wachet auf (BWV 140) as part of his second annual cantata cycle covering the entire annual church calendar. It is based on the hymn of the same name by Philipp Nicolai (1599). The hymn text covers the readings for the 27th Sunday after Trinity. Bach designed the cantata in seven movements, setting the stanzas in various forms. Among these forms are the chorale fantasia, the chorale prelude, and a four-part chorale. He casts the new lyrics as recitatives – in a manner similar to the opera. Fourth Movement Bach writes the fourth movement, Zion hört die Wächter singen (Zion hears the watchmen singing), in the style of a chorale prelude with the chorale phrases performed as a strict cantus firmus. The phrases seem to enter at times erratically against the famous lyrical melody. The violins play this melody in unison as a foil against the cantus phrases. The violin melody is so independent and complete that when the cantus melody appears it catches the listener at times totally off-guard. Bach later transcribed this movement for organ (BWV 645). This transcription became No. 1 of the Six Schübler Chorales. Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with the instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and certainly the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival               Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  Voyager