William H. Doane's tune NEAR THE CROSS was written specifically for the Fanny Crosby hymn lyrics. Appearing in most English-language hymnals across denominational lines, it is a hymn of devotion that is very popular during communion and Good Friday services.
This arrangement begins with a very sparse piano accompaniment and the three trombones playing the first stanza in unison. The second stanza has the same simple accompaniment but the first trombone plays harmony over the top of the two other parts.
The chorus first appears in three-part harmony over a simple accompaniment, which is followed by a transition to a new key by the piano.
The third stanza is in three-part harmony over a more hymn-like accompaniment. And abrupt key change brings in the fourth stanza, also in three part harmony, but with an accompaniment that is quite simple in the right hand but has a rolling eighth-note bass line.
The chorus then appears again in three part harmony with a simple accompaniment for the opening phrases which is quickly followed by an accompaniment featuring a rolling eighth-note bass line.
The final phrases are repeated with great simplicity and largely in unison for a quiet and contemplative ending.
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Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
JESUS, KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS, by W H. Doane, arranged by Tom Kirkland for three trombones and piano, comes in a pdf file of 253K, with a five-page piano score, six-page conductor's score, three two-page parts, and a license page, eighteen pages in all. Performance time should be about 3:45.