Preview: Hymn To Freedom
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SKU: A0.1140852
By Oscar Peterson. By Harriette Hamilton and Oscar Peterson. Arranged by James Pybus. 20th Century,Blues,Jazz,Praise & Worship,Spiritual. 39 pages. James Pybus #741106. Published by James Pybus (A0.1140852).Recognized as one of Oscar Peterson’s most significant compositions, Hymn to Freedom was written in 1962 and was swiftly embraced by people over the world as the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. The piece was Peterson’s first major work and was written with encouragement from his producer and dear friend Norman Granz. During those initial recording sessions, Granz urged Peterson to create a tune with a “definitive early-blues feel”. For inspiration, Peterson drew upon various church renderings of Negro spirituals recalled from his childhood in Montreal. He aimed to maintain the unadorned, yet poignant quality of these early Baptist hymns while composing the beginning chorus of Hymn to Freedom. Upon its completion, Peterson and Granz decided that lyrics would complement the music and contacted Malcolm Dodds, composer, arranger and choir director of The Malcolm Dodds Singers, a backup group for many popular artists of the day. Dodds turned to his collaborator Harriette Hamilton, who had been writing lyrics for the choir group’s original compositions for several years. According to Hamilton, “all the lyrics had to do was express in very simple language the hope for unity, peace, and dignity for mankind. It was easy to write.” With Peterson on piano, Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums, the trio recorded the piece on Night Train (Verve 1962), which became one of their most commercially successful albums. Critical acclaim moved Peterson to record Hymn to Freedom on several albums that followed. This arrangement is playable by SATB Saxophone Quartet with optional Bass Saxophone, String Bass and Drums. For performances by SATB Saxophone Quartet without rhythm, the part marked Baritone Saxophone 2 (substitute Bass Saxophone) should be used. Some improvising is allowed for in the soprano, alto and tenor parts. Optional written solos are provided. This arrangement will enhance a wide variety of concert programmes and performance situations. The duration is 4:45. Contact me at james.pybus56@gmail.com.
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