In an effort to exercise my composing muscles, I've asked my friends to name some of their favorite hymns so I can arrange them. This one goes out to my gluten-free bestie, Rindi*. She is one of the strongest people I know, and not just because she can't eat regular pizza. Her dedication to Christ in the face of life's challenges inspires me.

This song (in my mind) starts in autumn by a cozy fire (set to the tune of Abide with Me), plummets into a spare and icy winter (Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King), then roars back to life as spring arrives in a joyful procession (God of Our Fathers).

Should be easy for a singer to pick up, but the piano part's got some fanfare rhythms that might be tricky to pick up by sight alone. The downloadable mp3, imperfect midi though it is, can help my fellow pianists learn the rhythms by ear. Whew!

FUN FACTS:

• Due to the 2020 world situation, I was unable to run through this with an actual singer. Once I do, I might tweak it some. If I do, I'll be sure to note the update on this page.
• Pianist, don't feel like you gotta zip through those 16th-note runs. 8th notes just weren't quick enough. Just think STRING SECTION. Think BUILD. Think DRAMA.
• Singer, if you can hit the higher notes in parentheses in measures 70 and 71, go for it. But don't feel like you *have* to.
• The second section was inspired by Morton Feldman's crystalline piece "Why Patterns?"
• To my fellow die-hard Weird Al fans who recognize the ending I quoted: sing "cloud and sunshine" for that part, okay? ;)

If you enjoyed performing my arrangement, please consider purchasing a thank-you copy from my Gumroad store.

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*rhymes with "windy"