Lord Bless You and Keep You, The

The Lord Bless You and Keep You, composed by Peter Christian Lutkin, arranged by Martin Melicharek for Flute Choir

A beautiful arrangement of this familiar benediction and seven-fold Amen. The entire hymn is repeated once, with a very unique descant which just floats over the top of the entire choir the second time through. Perfect for religious settings.

The Benediction has been the subject of many musical settings. One of the best-known and beloved is the arrangement for a cappella choir by Peter Lutkin.  His was introduced in a Methodist hymnal, of which he was the musical editor, and many generations of musicians, congregations and choirs have sung this work with its famous seven fold amen. 

The a cappella setting of this work transcribes easily for flute choir.  The piece is scored for three concert flutes, alto flute, and bass flute. The use of a contrabass flute or cello playing the bass part adds depth and richness.  The first flute has a descant melody adding a fresh counterpoint subject to the hymn.  Although this part has been articulated, some thought should be considered with respect to the size and acoustical condition in which a performance occurs.  Performance venues with lively reverberation period might favor an articulated descant.- Program and Performance Notes by Matrin Melicharek III

Scored for 3 flutes, alto flute, bass flute