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Be Thou My Vision (Traditional)
Be Thou My Vision, a traditional Christian hymn from Ireland, is now a staple song in modern sacred music. In Brian Mueller’s warm and lyrical arrangement for a 4.3-octave (low A) marimba, the piece is structured in three different parts, organized by different the keys D major, F major, and A major. These segments are separated by chorale passages which give the arrangement an improvisatory and ethereal feel. The main melody of the piece, however, is not obscured by this improvisatory feel and is always present and audible to the listener.
Be Thou My Vision ships in a printed, professionally bound folio with a full color cover.
• Marimba (low A)
This arrangement of a beloved hymn features several of the many expressive possibilities available on the marimba. Stylistically, it is an exploration of virtuosic performing: chorales, lateral motion, scalar passages, and manipulating the melody to include interesting, modern harmonies.
In the program notes, Dr. Mueller says that this arrangement was written for his longtime marimba student, Rachel Butler. In April of 2019, she competed in the American Association of Christian Schools National Music Competition and won first place with her performance of this arrangement. It is no surprise that this piece contributed to that win, with its introspective, creative, and respectful tone.
The music includes many expression markings and suggestions, but the stickings are mainly left to the performer. I recommend this piece for a more advanced high school performer or college student, as a selection on a recital or other performance. It will certainly challenge the performer and leave the audience pleasantly surprised by this hymn’s beautiful melody and lasting appeal.
—Cassie Bunting
Percussive Notes
Vol. 59, No. 3, June 2021
Be Thou My Vision, a traditional Christian hymn from Ireland, is now a staple song in modern sacred music. In Brian Mueller’s warm and lyrical arrangement for a 4.3-octave (low A) marimba, the piece is structured in three different parts, organized by different the keys D major, F major, and A major. These segments are separated by chorale passages which give the arrangement an improvisatory and ethereal feel. The main melody of the piece, however, is not obscured by this improvisatory feel and is always present and audible to the listener.
Be Thou My Vision ships in a printed, professionally bound folio with a full color cover.
• Marimba (low A)
This arrangement of a beloved hymn features several of the many expressive possibilities available on the marimba. Stylistically, it is an exploration of virtuosic performing: chorales, lateral motion, scalar passages, and manipulating the melody to include interesting, modern harmonies.
In the program notes, Dr. Mueller says that this arrangement was written for his longtime marimba student, Rachel Butler. In April of 2019, she competed in the American Association of Christian Schools National Music Competition and won first place with her performance of this arrangement. It is no surprise that this piece contributed to that win, with its introspective, creative, and respectful tone.
The music includes many expression markings and suggestions, but the stickings are mainly left to the performer. I recommend this piece for a more advanced high school performer or college student, as a selection on a recital or other performance. It will certainly challenge the performer and leave the audience pleasantly surprised by this hymn’s beautiful melody and lasting appeal.
—Cassie Bunting
Percussive Notes
Vol. 59, No. 3, June 2021
