Product Description
The Old Rugged Cross A Russian-Inspired Arrangement for Alto Voice and Piano
Moderate piano | Easy voice | Suitable for Holy Week, Easter, Good Friday, Communion, and Church Services
This unique and stirring arrangement of the beloved hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" reimagines the familiar melody through the lens of Russian musical tradition, evoking the rich harmonic language and emotional depth reminiscent of Rachmaninoff and other Russian masters. Arranged for alto voice and piano, the piece gently transforms into a lullaby soft, haunting, and full of reverence offering a poignant reflection on Christs sacrifice.
The inspiration for this arrangement came while reading about the persecuted Christians of the Soviet Union, particularly the courageous grandmothers who kept the faith alive in secret. These women, often at great personal cost, passed down the love of Christ to their grandchildren, preserving hope in the face of oppression. This piece imagines the answer they might have given when asked why they continued to follow Jesus despite everything: the words of "The Old Rugged Cross."
With a moderate piano accompaniment and an accessible vocal line, this arrangement is both deeply moving and practical for church musicians. It is especially fitting for Holy Week, Good Friday, communion services, and any time we pause to remember the persecuted church around the world.
Dedicated to the persecuted church may we never forget them in our prayers.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.