My brother, Gary, and I have a lot in common. We love the same parents. We love
fishing. We love climbing mountains and canoeing the high lakes of the
Cascades. We love life. We love our mom’s home cooking. We love photographing
waterfalls and wildlife. We love
exploring every scenic corner of Oregon in search of BEAUTY. And so when I asked Gary to list some
of his favorite hymns, I jumped at the chance to arrange There is a Green Hill Far Away since I love it too.
This piece is quite unique. I have taken a sacred hymn and combined
it with a classical favorite. I
hope Beethoven will forgive me the liberties I took with his beloved
composition.
The arrangement is for piano, cello and either violin or viola. I am enamored with the rich, deep tones
of these instruments. I have tried
to use them to depict an event that, albeit necessary, was arguably the most heartbreaking
moment in the history of mankind--the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
