?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.

"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

Marianne Kim's signature jazz-tinged style pervades this new collection of hymn settings. Nearly all the hymn tunes are American in origin, including folk hymns, spirituals, and 19th century gospel songs. Varied characters provide music useful for preludes, offertories, or postludes throughout the church year.