A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
Many will recognized this beautiful hymn by James Montgomery (lyrics, 1771-1854) and George Coles (music, 1792-1858). I arranged this piece for two Violins for friends in my congregation. I have subsequently provided parts for other string and woodwind instruments to allow for other Duet combinations. In addition to Violin, Part 1 is available for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet (A & Bb) and Violin. Part 2 is available for Clarinet (A & Bb), bassoon, Violin, Viola and Cello. The melody is passed back and forth between instruments, allowing both to shine.
Synthesized MP3 File:
Live Duet of Flute and Violin [Amy and Amy]:
The Wikipedia page on this hymn is interesting. Of note, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”, was originally titled “The Stranger and His Friend”, and written as a seven-stanza poem in 1826 by James Montgomery. The words of the poem were adopted as a Christian hymn with music by George Coles. John Taylor learned the hymn in England in 1840. Joseph Smith asked John Taylor to sing it for him twice on June 27, 1844, in the Carthage Jail. Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were shot and killed later that same day.