A Franciscan Pastorale.

A Franciscan Pastorale (based on St. Francis of Assisi's "All Creatures of Our God and King"), by Franklin D. Ashdown. H. W. Gray/Warner Bros. Publications (15800 N. W. 48th Ave., Miami, FL 33014), 2001. 7 pp., $3.95. Intermediate.

The stately lines of Lasst Uns Erfruen ("All Creatures of Our God and King") receive gentle and refreshing treatment here at the hands of ASCAP-winning composer Franklin Ashdown, who shapes the hymn tune in sometimes unexpected but thoroughly effective ways, characterized by the use of continually shifting sonorities and slow but steady increases in registration, dynamics and intensity, giving the work the feel of one giant crescendo.

Opening in a serene, almost mystical, manner, the work features a chain of sonorities that alternately rise and fall over a long pedal point in A-flat major. The first verse of the chorale appears after a page and a half and continues, with only brief interruption, in its entirety. No sooner has the verse concluded, however, than the swirling currents of sound gently propel the listener to the new key of A major, where the entrance of the melody is again suspended for some measures, this time voicing the second half of the verse only. The slow, ceaseless motion and kaleidoscopic sonorities continue as before, rising in intensity to again reach the key of A-flat major, where the work builds to a large, sustained peak before fading to a piano cadence.

Although meant to be played in an unhurried manner, the difficulty of the Pastorale nonetheless will preclude beginning players. The clear, soaring notes of the chorale appear in relatively few measures--part of the work's beauty--but the long, legato lines, steady build in intensity, and aural creation of breadth and space will require some degree of musical sophistication. Nonetheless, the piece is wonderfully evocative in effect, offers lush harmonies and stands in welcome contrast to the more aggressive manner in which this hymn often is approached.

Other recent publications in the St. Cecilia Series include Crown Him with Many Crowns, arranged by Jerry Westenkuehler, a sparkling rendition ending in grand toccata style, and Variations on Picardy by Michael Helman, featuring the French carol melody followed by four short settings of the hymn tune. Both works are moderately challenging and include registrations for a two-manual instrument. Reviewed by Karrin Ford, Waco, Texas.