This arrangement of EIN FESTE BURG by Martin Luther opens with a strong, noble character in the piano, and the instruments complement the piano as the voices enter. Frequent accents on beat 4 of the measure will off-set a tendency toward a pedantic norm, and occasional triplets gives accompanists unique appeal at the end of phrases. Voices will fall into bars of 2/4, and then 4/4, but the hymn tune will still be familiar to the singer. Pianist will play solo and set the tone for the first stanza, then the instrumentalists will join in on the second stanza (and play in their desired range—flutes 8va, tuba 8vb, etc.), and will play through the key change, and on the fourth stanza. The arrangement offers 4 stanzas, with repeats taken once for first and second stanza, then follow music for third stanza, and fourth as final stanza. One extra measure is given at the end to text paint, “His kingdom is forever.” Includes piano score and all individual parts: treble clef C instrument, treble clef B-flat instrument, horn, and bass clef instrument.
Real Responses from Congregations
The beautiful accompaniment and the unison congregation could be used both congregationally and chorally (as we did)… For small to medium-sized choirs on low attendance Sundays these could be effective choral pieces or as a way to develop choir and orchestra when (as is our case) some choir members are also instrumentalists. We used three pieces as part of our Easter celebration. All were very well received. We were able to include our developing orchestra with all of it. So, thank you!
Molly plays for the church my mother-in-law attends. The congregation becomes like a big choir with her arrangements. I’ve enjoyed the music when we’ve visited!
It is with the greatest enthusiasm that I recommend the hymnody work of Molly. Whether you are looking for accessible yet creative arrangements to new hymns or seeking to add energy and a fresh approach to hymns you have sung for years, herein lies your answer! Our people love to sing and the material found on this website has brought life to our singing that was not there before.
Molly’s congregational accompaniments add a freshness to treasured hymns of the past that enables a cross-generational congregation to join together in passionate worship of a great God.
