"Down to the River to Pray" (also known as "Down in the River to Pray," "Down in the Valley to Pray," and "The Good Old Way") is a 19th-century American folk hymn variously attributed as an African-American spiritual/slave song, Appalachian song, and gospel song. In recent years, it was popularized in the 2000 motion picture, "O Brother, Where Art Thou," and by folk/bluegrass performer Alison Kraus.

In this arrangement, the first three presentations, or verses, of the pentatonic tune employ simple, traditional harmony and limited instrumentation, evoking the simplicity of folk-singing style. Verse 4 is characterized by a direct key change up a fourth (from concert Eb to Ab) and more active harmonies. After a short, two-bar modulation up one more step to Bb major, the final verse begins with rising parallel harmonies under the melody in trumpet 1, and continues with more contemporary harmonies. The piece concludes with a simple "Amen"-like ending.

�2019 Todd Marchand / ConSpiritoMusic.com

?Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise,? one of the most popular hymn texts on the Ascension of Christ, was written by the great Methodist hymnist Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and published in 10 stanzas in his Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739) as ?Hymn for Ascension Day.? The ?alleluias? were added in George White's Hymns and Introits (1852). The tune most often associated with Wesley's text, ?Llanfair,? is attributed to Welsh singer Robert Williams (1781-1821). In this arrangement, elements of the tune are employed in a majestic, constantly modulating introduction before giving way to three presentations of melody ? first, straightforwardly by the full quintet; second, following a modulation down a major third, by a trio of brass; and third, following another modulation back to the original key, by the full quintet, with a short coda incorporating a flourish recalling the introduction. Especially appropriate at Ascension due to the associated text, this instrumental arrangement is also fitting as a prelude, postlude, or offertory/communion anthem at any time. �Copyright 2016 Todd Marchand / www.ConSpiritoMusic.com

This carol is one of the Christmas season?smost loved! Originally titled ?Luther?s Cradle Hymn,? ?Away in a Manger? wasthought to have been penned by the reformer Martin Luther for his own children;however, that claim has never been fully substantiated.

A classic spiritual, this arrangement captures the text vividly with a wayfaring tuba beginning and ending this classic tune. Grade 3 Along with the traditional brass instrumentation (Trumpet 1 and 2, Horn, Trombone and Tuba), there are substitution parts provided for: Alto Sax (for Trumpet 2) Alto Sax (for Horn) Trumpet 3 (for Horn) Trombone (for Horn) Baritone Treble Cleff/Tenor Sax (for Trombone) Baritone Sax (for Tuba) Horn (for Trombone)?

Christmas Carols for Brass Quintet Vol.3

5 Christmas carols with beautiful arrangement

1. Silent Night
2. Joy to the World, the Lord is Come
3. Away in a Manger (James R. Murray)
4. O Christmas Tree
5. Christians Awake! Salute the Happy Morn

Total duration: 12 minutes

47 pages (score and parts)

Level: medium

by Arkstar BrassMusic

Christmas Carols for Brass Quintet Vol.1

5 Christmas carols with beautiful arrangement

1. Gloria (Angels We Heard on High)
2. O Little Town of Bethlehem
3. The First Noel
4. It Came upon the Midnight Clear
5. Away in a Manger

For 2 Trumpets in Bb, Horn in F, Trombone & Tuba

Total duration: 12 minutes

Level: medium