- Level: Intermediate
- Pages: 6 pages, 4 pages of music, cover included!
- Style: Reflective
- Bonuses: Mp3 recording included
- Format: PDF instant download
Near the Cross is a fresh take on a classic hymn, with unexpected rhythms and melodic lines. The rhythms and full harmonies invite the audience to listen a little more closely to a piece they may have known for years.
The lyrics of Near the Cross are hopeful, but they still maintain an air of solemnity. This arrangement perfectly captures both, while holding to the integrity of the original hymn. This moving piece invites listeners to reflect on cross.
The Level of Near the Cross
Near the Cross is an intermediate piece. The smallest note value is a sixteenth note. The piece is written in 3/4, save for one 4/4 measure. There are helpful fingerings written throughout the piece. In areas where hands are playing out of position or are moving to a new position, the fingerings are written in each time, even if the passage has been played before.
While the right hand stays in treble clef throughout the piece, the left hand plays both treble and bass clef several times. The key signature is written in, starting in G major and moving to C. Pedaling should be done harmonically, but it not written in the score.
Near the Cross Bonus:
This piano arrangement of Near the Cross is studio licensed which means that you can print and use it with as many students as you directly teach for your entire lifetime of teaching.
Your purchase also includes a free mp3 recording of the performance to send to students. As with all ComposeCreate® pieces, this arrangement also includes the beautiful cover.
Other hymn arrangements around this level:
- Oh The Deep Deep Love of Jesus
- Doxology
- Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy)
- Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (I Sing the Mighty Power of God)
Lori –
I purchased the Near the Cross and Hosanna Loud Hosanna pieces this year. They were such a blessing to my church when I played them! The song leader commented that Hosanna was such a powerful set. Thank you for creating such beautiful arrangements.
Robin Steinweg –
Near the Cross–your arrangement has been perfect for a doctor student of mine. It lies well under the hands. But far more than that! The harmonization is hauntingly lovely. Your arrangement takes the player and listener to the dark place of the crucifixion, but doesn’t leave us there. The music takes us victoriously, gloriously to the resurrection and beyond. Ooh–goose bumps just thinking about this piece! Thank you, Wendy! My student especially needed this song, at such a time as this.
Liana Pace –
I love how easily this fits under the hands. I have a small handspan and have several teen students who also need pieces that fit under the hands well. This arrangement is absolutely beautiful. I am including it in our Easter service music this year because I needed a piece that was attainable with minimal practice from me. Thank you again for providing such beautiful arrangements!
Molly –
“Near the Cross” – what a sublimely rich and beautiful piano arrangement this is! It was a wonderful blessing to find this gorgeous piece and have the privilege to play it for the church service. Thank you Wendy and Compose Create!
Cheryl –
I loved the gentleness in the beginning and then the heavier 7th chords later. I liked the progression of the rhythms added later also.
Kay Carlson –
I played Near the Cross at my church during Lent. I’m always looking for new arrangements of hymns. This arrangement is a delight to play, and fun for the congregation! It’s not as difficult as some of Wendy’s pieces that I’ve played, so it was fairly quick to prepare for performance. Thanks for all you do for both students and performing musicians!