On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss
by David Holsinger
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Grade 3

Holsinger was born in Hardin, Missouri, December 26, 1945. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri in 1967, and Master of Music degree from Central Mirrouri State University in Warrnesburg in 1974. He was honored with the Distinguished Music Graduate Award from CMSU in 1988. Holsinger did further post-graduate study at the University of Kansas, under composer Charles Hoag from 1979-1981. Holsinger’s compositions have won competitions sponsored by Kent State University and the National Federation of Music Clubs. Holsinger was twice recipient of the prestigious Ostwald Award. He has served as Assinstant to the Chief Musician at Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. He is currently director of the Lee University Wind Ensemble in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Year of composition—1989

Publisher—TRN Music

Grade—3

Type of composition: Arrangement of hymn

Style: Hymn

Programming Suggestions: On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss is a radical departure of style of the composer. The frantic tempos, the ebullient rhythms we associate with Holsinger are replaced with a restful, gentle, and reflective composition based on the 1876 Philip Bliss – Horatio Spafford hymn, “It is Well with my Soul”.

Solo Instruments: None

Anecdotal Notes: Low range of instrument for Sax, Oboe, Clarinet. Slow tempo and long notes may cause endurance problems. Horn soli and one player parts in tuba/euphonium. A few 2/4 and 5/4 bars. Extreme use of dynamics.

Discography: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WIND SYMPHONY – RICHARD FISCHER, COND. “THE MUSIC OF DAVID HOLSINGER – VOLUME 2” HOL-1050….. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS SYMPHONIC BAND – DENNIS W. FISCHER, COND. “THE MUSIC OF DAVID HOLINGER – VOLUME 4” HOL-1112