Thy Strong Word: Partita on Ebenezer

The sturdy tune EBENEZER receives an extensive treatment in this five-movement partita by Benjamin M. Culli. The first movement can function as an alternate hymn harmonization. The Meditation is lovely and sweet, creating a surprising but engaging mood for the tune. The Alla Marcia is regal, the Scherzo playful. The thrilling finale, a toccata, is challenging and requires great endurance, but is absolutely rewarding. Written to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, this partita is part of a collection of six by premier composers and is based on Reformation hymns.