This piece was written for a trombone trio playing during a communion service. While it may have many other uses, this hymn is such a great fit in that situation that it is hard to imagine a better one.

Each of the three players takes the melody for a stanza in turn, and then after a key change, the first trombone plays the fourth stanza.

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In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers 'round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me;
Lo, it glows with peace and joy.

When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.

--John Bowring

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MP3 sound sample: entire piece (synthesizer/midi).



IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST I GLORY by Ithamar Conkey, arranged Tom Kirkland for two tenor trombones and one bass trombone, comes in a pdf file of 201K, with a three-page score, three two-page parts, and a license page, ten pages in all. Performance time should be about three minutes.