AMAZING GRAC E , H OW SWEET THE S OUND
Since the 1994 publication of my Amazing Grace, I have at times considered
making a version for younger players. Now, in 2024 (and given the fun I
had creating Joy Revisited from Joy) I have happily decided to pursue this idea,
creating Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound.
I made numerous revisions with the aim of creating a grade 2 version:
I rescored the music for a smaller ensemble; simplified the instrumental ranges;
omitted the challenging canonic middle section; removed the ties from
many of the over-the-bar suspensions. I also simplified the introduction and
the coda, and added more percussion parts — although the percussion writing
is of necessity quite subtle so as not to distract from the overall lyricism.
Both versions reflect a conscious desire to let the music convey the powerful
simplicity of the hymn tune. Harmony, texture, orchestration, and form
are inseparable, intertwined so as to be perceived as a single expressive entity.
It is my hope that this new version will serve as a meaningful adaptation of
one of our nation’s most beloved spirituals.
F RANK T I C H ELI
PA S A D ENA, CA LI F O RN I A
F EB RUARY 1 6 , 2 0 2 5

With the digital edition of this piece you are allowed to print parts for all your players, and also to email them their individual parts. You and the players are also allowed to display their music on paper or on tablets. You may print and bind one score at any size and also display it on computer or tablets.

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