Monday, September 21, 2015

Nothing but the Blood

Published by Kistner und Siegel:

* Nothing but the Blood

      A duet for Piano and Violin that is an arrangement of an old hymn.
Initially I started this as an exercise of "Can I write music in 5/4?"  But it quickly developed into something that transformed the old hymn and made it soar.  I am blessed to have performed this three or four times.  The recording, although not our best, is from one of those occasions

Click here to find the link to a recording of the performance.  NOTE: you will have to search the list within the SoundClick link to find the individual movements since that site has changed their format.
 
Reviews

Excellent
I stumbled across this while browsing through the composer's personal page, and before I'd even begun to listen to the scorch playback, I knew that it was not going to be just another arrangement- the obvious and wonderful rhythmic style is perfect for this hymn. All too often, I find versions of this—one of my favorite hymns—done in too much of a "rock" style, but this is perfect. It sets itself apart while still not violating the spirit of the song. I would love to hear this performed, I'm sure it is even more moving in person. Excellent, excellent job.
 

~ Curtis Schweitzer


A Transformation

Despite the title, this is an instrumental piece for violin or any other suitable instrument and piano. The old-fashioned and slightly four square gospel hymn by Robert Lowry is transformed into a moving almost epic, folk-like piece. The original 4/4 time is changed into 5/4 time which helps give it a new character and any jerkiness is avoided by an effective flowing then dramatic piano accompaniment. The melody itself is beautifully varied and ornamented—soaring to a lovely climax. Anyone who needs an instrumental piece to play during moments of reflection in a service or, indeed, in a sacred concert should have a look at this.
 

~ Charles Dodds


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