Sweet Hour of Prayer

This delightful arrangement by Scottish composer Kenneth Downie of the much-loved hymn 'Sweet Hour of Prayer' is now available for chamber orchestra. This ethereal setting transforms the familiar melody into a tapestry of celestial sound. The setting was one of the pieces on the CD 'Classic Hymns - The Symphonic Music of Kenneth Downie'. The arranger writes: 'There is a winsome quality to the words and music of Walford's hymn 'Sweet Hour of Prayer' that I find most attractive. The tune, by William Bradbury, captures this mood and I have tried to emulate it in my setting for orchestra. References to prayer calling us from a world of care, and bringing relief from seasons of distress and grief, are key to understanding the required style. The overall effect in performance should be to generate a feeling of calm and peaceful assurance.' Instrumentation: Flute Oboe Clarinet in Bb 12 Horn in F 12 Violin I Violin II Viola Violincello Double Bass.