Variations on the hymn by Robert Lowry. The variations include various melismas and "Scotch Snaps" and also a section in minor mode. A simple transcription version is also available The pdf file contains score and parts. The sound sample is an electronic preview Words of the original hymn: Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod, With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne of God? Refrain: Yes, we?ll gather at the river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God. On the margin of the river, Washing up its silver spray, We will talk and worship ever, All the happy golden day. Ere we reach the shining river, Lay we every burden down; Grace our spirits will deliver, And provide a robe and crown. At the smiling of the river, Mirror of the Savior?s face, Saints, whom death will never sever, Lift their songs of saving grace. Soon we?ll reach the silver river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace.

The song was the first track recorded during the sessions for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967),and was intended for inclusion on the album. Instead, with the group under record-company pressure to release a single, it was issued in February 1967 as a double A-side with "Penny Lane". The combination reached number two in the United Kingdom, breaking the band's four-year run of chart-topping singles there, while "Strawberry Fields Forever" peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in America. "Strawberry Fields Forever" is one of the defining works of the psychedelic rock genre and has been covered by many artists. The Beatles made a promotional film clip for the song that is similarly recognised for its influence in the medium of music video. The Strawberry Fields memorial in New York's Central Park is named after the song. It is arranged for clarinet quartet: 3 clts and bass clt.