Shall We Gather at the River?
(SATB, piano, opt. violin [or cello, or clarinet], opt. congregation) 4' 00"
An early American favorite for worship or concert venues. Level: Med-Easy.
Listen (mp3, 6.8 MB)
Version A: Choral Score with Violin (part included): $1.75 Add to Cart
Version B: Choral Score with Cello (part included): $1.75 Add to Cart
Version C: Choral Score with Clarinet (part included): $1.75 Add to Cart
Composer's Notes:
I originally arranged this wonderful 19th century American hymn by Robert Lowry for the congregation at Holden Village when I was on staff there in 2003. I later adapted it for my church choir to use as an anthem for our All Saints Sunday services. We had the congregation join on the final refrain and found this to be quite effective. A page with the standard harmonization is included at the end of the score for use as a bulletin insert. (For you ELCA Lutherans out there, Hymn #423 in the 2008 ELW hymnal would also work for this purpose.) Further suggestions for use can be found on the inside cover of the score. An optional descant for youth or soprano(s) is written above the final refrain. The violin part is not difficult and is optional (it plays the opening melody once before any singing, but this can be hummed by unison choir). The part is written for the intermediate player.