Product Description
"Brightest and Best" is an original piece based on the hymn tune STAR IN THE EAST (from The Southern Harmony), most commonly used with the text "Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning." As such, the arrangement is well suited to use in the Christmas and Epiphany seasons. However, the tune's general appeal make it a great addition to worship in any season, as well as use in concert or recital settings.
In addition to the main hymn melody, this piece is woven through with original counter melodies and rich harmonies. Through much of the piece, flowing, running 8th notes and rhythmic bass lines maintain motion beneath the soaring melody. The second verse slows down with a quarter note motif reminiscent of change-ringing bells, keeping an open and ethereal sound with building anticipation before the interlude melodies return in full force for the conclusion.
Most of these features and ideas appear in both the secondo and primo parts in this 1-piano, 4-hands piece. Both parts are of similar difficulty, and because the melodies are found anywhere from the middle voices to the top voices, care is needed to keep the ensemble balanced at all times for a musical performance.
A preview performance can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnIo4rnHizU
The PDF file is formatted to be printed double-sided. Once printed and bound, odd numbered pages (including the cover page) should be on the right (where the primo player sits), and even numbered pages should be on the left (where the secondo player sits). Alternatively, if two pianos are being used, the file can be printed single-sided and the parts separated out; the primo player will have the odd numbered pages, and the secondo player will have the even numbered pages.
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.