The Overlooked Violas

I was recently reminded about the overlooked violas. Especially the overlooked beginning violists. How often do they just have to play violin music transposed down a 5th. A friend emailed and asked if I knew of any hymn arrangements for a beginning violist, and I discovered there aren’t very many collections available. I actually had several hymns that I already had arranged, but hadn’t published or made available. This summer I’m working on making those available over at www.sheetmusicplus.com. I thought I would make available for free as a viola solo the one that I’m working on typesetting this week.

Come Ye Sinner Poor and Needy

It’s the old hymn tune ARISE and is commonly found set to the poem “Come Ye Sinners.” This is a favorite with my students who love minor keys. The arrangement is set in the key of E minor, but the chorus moves into G major as the lyrics begin to lookup and find hope and consolation.

I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in his arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh there are ten thousand charms.

Flex String Orchestra Series

This song is from the Flex String orchestra series. I arranged these for the beginning string ensemble at our church in Virginia. The melody part is the easiest part. So they can be solos for any beginning violinist, violist or cellist with a piano accompaniment. If you have other string players, you can add a harmony parts to that solo turning it into a duet, trio, or quartet. The piano accompaniment is the glue that holds it all together.

In the pdf file, you will find the piano accompaniment and the melody part for the viola.