This collection, Five Chorale Preludes on Joyful Themes, represents the CPH debut of organ recitalist and composer Dr. Tom Mueller. These stunning pieces are based on hymns linked by the common theme of joyfulness and vary in mood and spirit. Featuring complex rhythms and harmonies, they are of moderate difficulty and are appropriate for both liturgical and performance settings.
Tom Mueller is Professor of Music, University Organist, and Music Department Chair at Concordia University in Irvine, California. He is an active recitalist and composer, and he has received numerous honors and awards for his organ performance.
“Now Sing We, Now Rejoice”
Mueller’s arrangement of IN DULCI JUBILO—the beloved Christmas hymn “Now Sing We, Now Rejoice” is set in 5/8 meter. The unique rhythm gives the piece a jittery sense, and the five eighth-note chords in each measure build the momentum to each phrase of the cantus firmus—the hymn’s tune.
The piece contains a number of chromatic and cluster harmonies that cast the Christmas tune in a fresh light. The melody itself modulates into different keys throughout the prelude, providing a number of fresh surprises.
“Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness”
The arrangement of “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness” in this volume is lush and contemplative. A combination of soft flutes and/or strings at the eight-foot pitch would provide a rich ensemble for the accompanying lines, and a warm eight-foot principal with or without the stops for the accompaniment would illuminate the melody nicely.
The organist may also make use of the swell box on his or her instrument to illustrate the crescendos and diminuendos in the piece. This would add even more nuance to a gentle and serene prelude.
“O Day Full of Grace”
A prelude on the tune DEN SIGNEDE DAG—most associated with the Pentecost hymn “O Day Full of Grace” is included in this volume. The arrangement is light and energetic, but not bombastic. The melody may be played with a solo reed or combination that includes mutations.
The accompanying voices are carefully marked with slurs and staccatos to accentuate the leggiero articulation. For organists who wish to introduce this hymn to their congregations on Pentecost, this prelude would make an excellent impression on listeners hearing the tune for the first time.
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”
The arrangement of JESU, MEINE FREUDE contains three distinct voices—a series of clustered, chromatic chords played by the left hand, an independent solo voice played by the right hand, and the hymn tune played in half-note and whole-note values in the pedal.
The chords in the left hand may employ string stops to set the foundation for the prelude. The maundering solo line in the right hand could make use of a mutation to contrast with the rich strings. The melody in the pedal should be played at the four-foot pitch in order to guarantee the correct counterpoint and voice leading when interacting with the voices in the manuals.
“In Thee Is Gladness”
The prelude on IN DULCI JUBILO—the exuberant hymn “In Thee Is Gladness” is set in 6/8 meter. The right hand plays a pattern on eighth notes throughout the piece, driving the movement forward. The left hand features the melody by building cluster chords from each note of each phrase.
The primary motif in this arrangement is the hymn’s opening phrase: the descending line from the dominant to the tonic. This motif is featured in a number of different keys, as the arrangement modulates in and out of F major before concluding with a full forte.
Play this collection of joyful preludes during the year at your church by clicking the button below and ordering a copy.
