Fantasia on a Southern Hymn Tune

Fantasia on a Southern Hymn Tune is based on 'My Shepherd Will Supply My Need' from Southern Harmony. In this setting, the music weaves a gentle, rocking melodic figure that builds in strength before receding once again to gentle calmness. Though a concise work, the piece conveys a spirit of continuation and expansiveness as its melodic line unfurls in varied repetitions and textures, evoking the impression of unending praise.

Program Notes

Fantasia on a Southern Hymn Tune is based on 'My Shepherd Will Supply My Need' from Southern Harmony. Like many of the melodies from the Southern Harmony collection, this tune embodies an honest and direct spirit. In this setting, the music weaves a gentle, rocking melodic figure that builds in strength before receding once again to gentle calmness. Though a concise work, Fantasia on a Southern Hymn Tune conveys a spirit of continuation and expansiveness as its melodic line unfurls in varied repetitions and textures, evoking the impression of unending praise. Originally titled Prayer Circle, it is dedicated to the memory of the three Kentucky high school students who died as a result of a random shooting at Heath High School early one December morning in 1997, while they were participating in a informal player circle in the school lobby.

- Frederick Speck

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2002
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 5:30

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1/2
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2/3
Bass Clarinet
Eb Contrabass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2/3
Horn 1/2
Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2/3
Euphonium
Tuba

Piano

Harp

Timpani
Percussion 1 (vibraphone, medium suspended cymbal)
Percussion 2 (vibraphone, snare drum)
Percussion 3 (bells, chimes)
Percussion 4 (vibraphone, medium and high suspended cymbals, large tam-tam, brass wind chimes)