PDF versionLegal, Score (8) & parts (3,2,2,2,2,2,2,2=17)
One movement.
Horn 2: f1 - a2
Horn 3: d1 - g2
Horn 4: f - f2
Horn 5: eb - f2
Horn 6: f - d2
Horn 7: Bb - f2
Horn 8: Bb - f1
It is safe to say that Amazing grace is one of the most frequently arranged musical works of all time. Written in 1779 as a Christian hymn about redemption and forgiveness, it has become one of the universally most recognisable tunes.
This setting has a standard form, with a 10-bar introduction, a first, simply but dense orchestrated verse with the tune in the middle high range, a second, less dense orchestrated verse with the tune in the lower register, a third verse similar to the second, but with a bigger flourish toward the end of the tune, and an 8-bar ending on a C major (horn pitch) ff chord, with the first horn on c3.
Amazing grace is always effective in concert, and this arrangement is no exception. It is a little high and hence powerful at times, but if that is the mood desired, Hutchinson’s version is as good as any.
Access to review score: Nancy Joy (NMSU)