Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer

This project was a combination of the lesser known hymn text by H. R. Palmer and the well known melody of Rowland Prichard usually set to In Humility, Our Savior. The arrangement came about rather quickly and spontaneously. I had always wanted to do an arrangement of the music and when I couldn't find a good A Capella arrangement for my ward choir, this fell into place.  

The hymn text is a wonderful, fervent prayer that often goes overlooked. The first two verses are a sincere appeal to the Almighty to help us better ourselves and receive His divine help and guidance despite the unending buffetings and enticements of Satan. Indeed, we can be ever encircled by His arms of safety and love (Alma 34: 16; 2 Ne 1:15).  

The final verse is an affirmation of the quiet and simple faith that Christ is over all. When our hearts are broken by the struggles and trials of our earthy existence, He is there to heal us. One of my favorite scriptures is John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." In and through Christ, we too can overcome the world. This is a gospel of peace and security. He will calm the raging torrent and through the darkness of the storms and the billows we can hear the words, "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39).    

You will hear strings here because MIDI strings sound better than MIDI voices.  Imagine a choir is singing.

1. Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

Thy sweet message now impart.

May thy Spirit, pure and fervid,

Enter ev'ry timid heart;

Carry there the swift conviction,

Turning back the sinful tide.

Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

May each soul in thee abide.

2. Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

We are weak but thou art strong;

In thy infinite compassion,

Stay the tide of sin and wrong.

Keep thy loving arms around us;

Keep us in the narrow way.

Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

Let us never from thee stray.

3. Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

Thou wilt bind the broken heart.

Let not sorrow overwhelm us;

Dry the bitter tears that start.

Curb the winds and calm the billows;

Bid the angry tempest cease.

Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

Grant us everlasting peace.

Nearer, My God, to Thee: Revisited

I know I've done an arrangement of this in the past, but I just couldn't rest without having an arrangement for four trombones.  This is usually such a gentle hymn, but I realized that there are exclamation points in every verse.  It is such a heartfelt and fervent prayer set to music.  And through what better medium than the sound of trombones?  The last verse of the arrangement was inspired by the seldom sung, triumphant fifth verse of the hymn:

Or if, on joyful wing

Cleaving the sky,

Sun, moon, and stars forgot,

upward I fly,

Still all my song shall be

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer to Thee!

Two of the topics this hymn is listed under in the LDS hymnbook are adversity and hope.  We can take comfort in knowing that through our stony griefs, the dark nights, and while bearing our own cross, we will be brushed off and lifted up.  

"[We] cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for [He] will lead [us] along." (D&C 78:18)

Abide With Me

Abide With Me is one of my favorite hymns.  I still remember  a powerful scene with this hymn in A Bridge Too Far, a WWII film.  Wounded, surrounded and trapped in enemy territory, a group of allied soldiers give a simple but stirring rendition of Abide With Me.   In their time of despair this was their plea:

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

So can we all call to Him in our time of despair and trouble.  When we do then comes His answer "lo, I am with you always, even unto the end" (Matt. 28:20)

This arrangement is for trombone quartet

The First Noel

 A recent arrangement of one of my favorite Christmas hymns.  This is for oboe and piano.

   The First Noel by Kevin Stephenson

Lead, Kindly Light

 There are times in life when we are lost in the darkness, seeking for a way out.  Often we look above for divine guidance.  Other times we refuse any help, preferring to figure the way out on our own.  Hopefully we all can turn from our pride to humbly ask for help.  Such is the message of this hymn.  Amidst the encircling gloom, when the night is dark, when we're far from home the fervent plea comes, "lead thou me on!"

This arrangement is for trombone trio.


  Lead, Kindly Light Trio by Kevin Stephenson

Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide

This hymn is arranged for piano and french horn.  This has always been a hymn of comfort and consolation for me.  As the darkness falls, we have the abiding, lasting love and support of our Father.
Abide With Me 'Tis Eventide by Kevin Stephenson

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