?The King of Love My Shepherd Is? is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 23, written by the Anglican cleric and hymn-writer Sir Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877) for the second edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (1868), of which he was editor as well as contributor. Baker's hymn has been described as perhaps the most beautiful of the many versions of the beloved psalm, and it has been said that the author's own last words before dying were the third stanza:

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.

Originally, the hymn was paired with the tune DOMINUS REGIT ME, written by Baker's friend John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) specifically for Baker's text. Later, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) sought to republish the hymn in The English Hymnal (1906), of which he was editor, and was denied the right to use Dykes's tune. He then paired Baker?s text with his own arrangement of an Irish traditional air, ST. COLUMBA.

It is on ST. COLUMBA that this arrangement for brass quintet is based. Following a short introduction, the tune is presented three times: first, by trumpets in a modal melodic/harmonic fashion; next, by low brass trio evoking Vaughan Williams' familiar harmonization; and finally, in a broad, full presentation by the entire ensemble, followed by a quiet, peaceful ending.

©2019 Todd Marchand / ConSpiritoMusic.com

Contrasting textures, changing key centers, and rich harmonies make this unique arrangement of a beloved Irish folk melody ideal as a prelude to worship, or as an offertory or communion anthem.

Ireland is sometimes referred to as the ? Emerald Isle ? due to its green countryside, first referred to in print by William Drennan in his poem "When Erin first rose". The folk music of Ireland is very engaging as evident in this setting of a medley of Irish folk songs. Included in this arrangement are: The Rocky Road to Dublin, The Banks of Moorlough Shore, Londonderry Air,The Daughters of Erin, The Minstral Boy and The Irish Washerwoman. Audiences and performer alike will enjoy this arrangement! ( Duration - 6:45 )