Considering how to present a widely known hymn tune that is much loved in a new format and a fresh arrangement can be a daunting task. This arrangement offers some new thoughts on this now-standard hymn while maintaining respect for the thoughfulness and depth of feeling of the original song. The brass quintet is a fun ensemble to write for because of the wide range of exciting sounds the group can create, but it is important to avoid the temptation to get gimmicky and too playful in an arrangement and destroy the original tune and the feelings or memories it evokes in the listener.

We are privileged that Hope Publishing has granted us permission to offer this unique arrangement in the downloadable pdf format.

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Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

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MP3 sound sample: Entire Piece (synthesizer/midi).



This piece made available by special agreement with Hope Publishing Company. Note that because of this agreement, this piece is NOT covered by our blanket recording policy stated below.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS Words: Thomas O. Chisholm, Music: William M. Runyan, Copyright (c) 1923, renewed 1951, and this arrangement (c) 2010 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL, USA 60188.
All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, by Thomas Chisholm and William Ryan, arranged for brass quintet by Tom Kirkland, comes in a pdf file of 947K, with a ten-page score, five three-page brass parts, a three-page french horn alternate part, and a license page, twenty-nine pages in all. Performance time should be about 3:40.