O God Beyond All Praising (Brass Sextet): Choral Instrumental Pak
By Gustav Holst / By Michael Perry / Arranged by Dan Forrest
Item: 35-PK01361328
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Description
O God Beyond All Praising (Brass Sextet)
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01361328
More about this title
About the Composer: Gustav Holst
Gustav Holst (1874-1934) shaped twentieth-century British music through his relentless experimentation with form, orchestration, and spiritual expression. Though best known for The Planets, his output spans operas, ballets, choral works, and band music, all marked by a distinctive harmonic language and orchestral ingenuity. His influence on music education was equally profound; Holst championed accessible composition and believed deeply in the power of amateur musicians making art together.
Why we love this
Dan Forrest's arrangement captures the breadth and nobility of Holst's original while tailoring it for the specific color and blend of brass sextet. The resulting sound is warm and resonant without losing the harmonic sophistication that makes this text setting enduring, and it works beautifully in contexts where a full choir and orchestra aren't practical. Directors appreciate that this version maintains the dignity of the work while opening it to chamber performance settings.
What to expect
Radiant and reverent, with a sense of spaciousness that brass sextet timbre provides naturally. The piece unfolds with unhurried grace, inviting reflection rather than grandeur.
Who it's for
Chamber brass ensembles, small churches with modest musical forces, and programs seeking substantial sacred music that doesn't require a full choir. This arrangement suits intermediate to advanced players comfortable with the demands of exposed ensemble balance.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the harmonic voices across your six players so no single line dominates; the sextet's intimacy demands careful listening from each performer to the others.
- Shape the phrasing through breath and dynamic contour rather than aggressive articulation; the text deserves space to resonate.
- Consider the acoustics of your performance space when rehearsing; brass carries quickly, and what sounds full in a small room may need adjustment for a larger hall.
- Work tempos that allow the harmonic progressions to unfold clearly without feeling static; Holst's voice leading reveals itself at a pace that lets listeners follow the spiritual arc.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a processional or recessional in a liturgical context, or as a concert opener that establishes a contemplative mood before other repertoire. It pairs well with smaller-scale choral pieces and instrumental chamber works when programming events where fewer performers are available.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing individual voice independence within ensemble blend
- Sustaining tone quality across extended phrases
- Responding to harmonic function and voice leading through listening
- Shaping longer structural arcs without written tempo changes