This piece by Johann Sebastian Bach needs no introduction. There are other sections that are not as well known, but this segment is the most popular. It was one of the first of many simplified Bach pieces I learned as an early piano student. I still enjoy playing it, more than 26 years later.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement played first as a duet on alto recorder, then on lyre, next on zither, and ending with the recorder duet!
I would have waited to post this hymn closer to Easter, if I had realized before recording it that it’s an Easter hymn. However, it’s also an Advent hymn, which I knew, entitled “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” In either case, the tune is a traditional Welsh melody called “Hyfrydol.”
Today you can clearly hear the difference between Oriole (soprano) and alto recorder. I play the melody as a solo on each of these instruments, then on viola, and end with zither.
Please feel free to share in the comments whether you prefer one recorder over the other! I prefer the warmer sound of the alto myself, but the Oriole is easier to play, with a shorter finger stretch. They’re also in different keys, with the Oriole in C and the alto in F.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement!
This traditional folk song is also known as “One Morning in May,” “The Bold Grenadier,” and other titles. The tune is an Irish air, appearing in print in Stanford’s 1905 edition of George Petrie’s song collection.
I hope you enjoy this tune on Oriole (soprano) recorder, viola, and zither!
I first heard this 17th-century folk song as a child. Believe it or not, it was part of an Elementary School book and CD set we often used in music class. The version on the CD was sung a cappella by a solo tenor voice. It was hauntingly done, but I found the song disturbing, because of the
lyrics.
While I still think the song tells a bittersweet story, it’s a beautiful melody that never left me.
I hope you enjoy hearing “Barbara Allen” on Oriole (soprano) recorder and zither!
You probably don’t recognize the name, Judson W. Van de Venter. I know I didn’t. However, you might recognize the hymn, “I Surrender All.” Written in 1896, it is one of his most famous hymns, still widely sung today. According to
Discipleship Ministries | History of Hymns,
this hymn was influential in the ministry of Rev. Billy Graham.
I hope you enjoy this contemplative arrangement played on lyre!
This English folk song is often known as “The Riddle Song.” However, it is just one of many such riddle songs, often sung as lullabies or ballads. It has become popular throughout the English-speaking world, since its possible 16th-century origin. According to
Song Facts,
some sources claim there are hidden messages in the lyrics, but there is no such mystery. At the end of the day, it’s a simple folk song, though it can indeed be a hypnotic melody.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement with a verse on ukulele and viola, one on ukulele and alto recorder, and 2 lyre verses in the middle!
Happy birthday, Schubert!
Franz Schubert was born on January 31, 1797. In honor of his birthday, I posted
“Die Forelle” (The Trout)
on zither last year.
Today I’m sharing a simple arrangement of Schubert’s “Impromptu, Opus 90, Number 3”. To me this piece contains elements of his “Ave Maria,” which I love.
I hope you enjoy this arrangement on alto recorder, viola, and lyre!
“Sweet Hour of Prayer” was written by William W. Walford, who lived in England from 1772 to 1850.
This hymn is about private prayer, rather than congregational prayer in a church service or other setting. This is deep, intense, personal prayer of petition; thanksgiving; and again, petition, but from a waiting, faithful soul who is aware that God already knows what is needed.
American songwriter, William Bradbury, composed the fitting music for this hymn.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful, contemplative melody on zither!
It’s Burns Night once again! Every year on January 25th, many people in Scotland and other countries hold suppers in honor of the great poet, Robert Burns, born January 25, 1759.
This song is often known by its first line, “My Love is like a Red, Red Rose.” Burns did not write it, but based his poem on traditional sources. We owe Burns a debt of gratitude, because if it were not for his desire to transcribe traditional Scottish tunes, many beautiful melodies like this one would be lost to time.
I hope you enjoy my zither arrangement!
It seems I post these hymns later and later every Sunday! I apologize for this. I do my very best to abide by the International Metaphysical Ministry Ordination Vows and Code of Ethics, which contain a requirement that says (my paraphrase), “I vow not to let my personal struggles and problems interfere with my work.” I have always taken my Ordination Vows and Code of Ethics seriously, and I am deeply committed to the work I’ve chosen. But lately, it’s been extremely difficult! I thank all of you for your patience and continued support!
Today’s hymn is entitled “Praise Him Praise Him!” It was written by the incomparable Fanny (Frances Jane) Crosby in 1869. I sang this in church as a child, but this is the first time I’ve played it. I hope you enjoy listening to this hymn on zither!
I wish each and every one of you peace, health, strength, and above all, both the knowing and feeling that you are loved!
Mystical Strings 
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