Hymn Project 2: Helps and Hints

“Nearer, My God, to Thee” (Bethany)
(trio version found in Easy Organ Hymn Settings)

Pedal. The feet move slowly but they change position often. Use contact between the feet to measure the intervals. For example, in measures 1-2 use contact to find each of the three notes that follow the F: span the fourth to find C, then span the second to find D, and finally span the third to find B-flat.

Independence. Integrity of line is critical in bringing out the beautiful legato lines of this hymn. The first potential problem occurs over the first bar line. Freeze there and wherever independence is a problem.

Repeated notes. You might lengthen slightly the first note of each repeated-note pair.

Phrasing. Note the change of textual phrasing from verse to verse. Always be aware of which verse you are playing, using breaks or slurs as needed to help clarify the text.