Amazing Grace

In 1993 I resolved to attempt a work for orchestra. At 25 years of age I felt it was time to tackle the mighty task of orchestration, a mighty task, at least, for one learning music on one’s own.

Instead of scoring one of my own compositions, I decided to arrange Amazing Grace--one of the most brilliant jewels in music's treasure chest! And, like a jeweler, my job was not to create the priceless gem, but merely to "set" it, to present it in an appropriate and attractive way while at the same time gaining valuable experience in my creative discipline.

It is always interesting when I delve into my old scores in search of something to resurrect through MIDI sequencing. So much of what I have composed lies on dusty shelves and, admittedly, I will probably never get around to sequencing most of them. However, working as always, without an instrument and on paper means that when I do produce a MIDI performance of a piece, it is a rather thrilling experience to hear it through the magic of sample technology!

My take on this arrangement is one of general satisfaction. My original intention was to make it easy on myself by keeping it short and setting it for a small orchestra. Upon listening to this render, I feel good enough about the project, especially as a first attempt at orchestration. Note that my first thought was to arrange the melody proper as it exists, that is without introduction or coda. However, after some consideration, I decided to compose the little intro and outgo that you hear, a somewhat masculine utterance against the inherently feminine melodic line.

Arranged in 1993