?An American Folk Hymn Medley? brings together three 19th-century shape-note tunes in a contemporary setting for brass quintet. HOLY MANNA is popularly known as ?Brethren We Have Met to Worship? from its association with a text by Methodist clergyman George Atkins (1793-1827). It was first published in Columbian Harmony, a shape-note tune book, in 1829, and is attributed to William Moore, the publisher. RESTORATION, first published in William Walker?s 1835 shape-note hymnal, Southern Harmony, was later renamed ARISE from its association with a text by Joseph Hart (1712-1768) in which the chorus begins ?I will arise and go to Jesus?.? PLEADING SAVIOR, published in Joshua Leavitt?s 1830 compilation The Christian Lyre, is today best-known in many churches as the accompaniment to the text ?Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly.? In this arrangement, the similar tunes HOLY MANNA and PLEADING SAVIOR, both in major tonality and 8.7.8.7 poetic meter, frame the contrasting minor tonality tune, RESTORATION. Contrasting instrument textures, keys, and tempi, and a mix of both traditional and contemporary harmonies breathe a fresh spirit into these venerable tunes.

?Were You There? is a nineteenth-century African-American spiritual that likely predates the American Civil War, and may have roots in a folk hymn known in Tennessee as ?Have You Heard How They Crucified MyLord?? It was first published in William Eleazar Barton's 1899 Old Plantation Hymns; and in 1940, it was included in the hymnal of the Episcopal Church with harmonization by C. Winfred Douglas, making it the first spiritual to be included in any major American hymnal. This arrangement evokes the call-and-response tradition of the spiritual, and features solo trumpet answered by low brass in the introduction and first stanza, solo trombone/low brass trio in the second stanza, and full ensemble in the final stanza. Although appropriate for use throughout the year, it is particularly fitting for performance on Good Friday, Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) and Easter sunrise services. This intermediate-level arrangement is suitable for ensembles from high school to community and professional musicians. �Copyright 2015 Todd Marchand / ConSpiritoMusic.com