Be Thou My Vision (arr. Travis Cross) - St. Olaf Band

Details

Description

The St. Olaf Band (Henry L. Dorn, conductor) performs "Be Thou My Vision" arranged by Travis Cross at their 2025 Winter Tour Home Concert.

St. Olaf Band: https://wp.stolaf.edu/stolaf-band/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/609WFRBSFZIlzsCMbtf447?si=wCweTtHMTpm2Ula4bzMbhQ

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About the Piece:

Be Thou My Vision incorporates a traditional Irish melody
found in the 1909 edition of Old Irish Folk Music and Songs. In
1927, the tune was harmonized and matched with the ancient
Irish hymn text with which it has come to be so closely
associated today. This arrangement for wind band seeks to
capture the humble simplicity and deep faith represented
by the hymn text. The hymn tune is heard three times in
the piece — once with light accompaniment, once with
traditional harmonization, and finally in a rich and powerful
statement of victory and joy. All vocal parts are optional and
cued in wind instruments. Commissioned by the St. Olaf Band
(Northfield, Minn., Dr. Timothy Mahr, conductor), Be Thou My
Vision was premiered on the band’s 1999 Winter Concert Tour
with the composer conducting. The Minnesota Symphonic
Winds performed the work at the 2002 Minnesota Music
Educators Association Midwinter Inservice Clinic, and the
Northshore Concert Band performed the work at the 2005
Midwest Clinic.
— Program note from Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music
(William Rehrig, editor