HOW TO USE THIS PIECE

How Firm a Foundation

 

This traditional pentatonic melody has been changed to a standard diatonic one by adding the 7th degree of the scale (syllable ti) throughout.  However Cox uses the typical arranging technique of setting the melody canonically, which one easily associates with this tune in its original pentatonic state.  He sets five stanzas of the hymn-tune and text; first as a single unaccompanied tune, then as a two-part canon followed by a three-part canon.  The final two settings are in three-part harmony with very nice stepwise movement and natural dissonance.  Each setting is one-half step higher than the one that proceeds it.  It closes with a meditative "Amen."  Although intended to be sung acappella, Cox has provided a "for rehearsal only" accompaniment which will come in handy until the singers learn to adjust to the key changes with each stanza.

 

Access the three-part variable voicing chart to see the  voicing options that are available to sing this piece.

 

Words are "K" from Rippon's Selection of Hymns, 1787

The music is an Early American Melody

Three-part Variable Voicing with Piano

Arranged by Ronald B. Cox

CP Catalog #U485193

 

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