Just Believe
This is a song based on the Bible story of Jairus, his daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood. It is written in a Gospel Church style, with backing vocals, and light orchestration.
It Is Well (for String Quartet)
This is an arrangement, or, as I like to call an essay, using the theme of this famous hymn.
(Click here to purchase the string quartet score, the string orchestra score, or the MP3.)
Blessed Assurance (for String Quartet)
This is an arrangement, or, as I like to call it, an essay, using the theme of the famous hymn to create this short composition.
(Click here to purchase the string quartet score, string orchestra score, or MP3.)
There Is Life (score) and Track
Here are a couple more thoughts on ‘There Is Life’. The score shown below does not contain the full orchestration, which would probably be too small to read in this format. However, this condensed score shows the basic concept of the piece. Perhaps someday it could be done with a live full group consisting of rhythm section, choir, praise team vocalists, and orchestra. Until then, I’m glad to have this presentation.
Also, since the track itself bears a good bit of work, I wanted to share it without vocals. This was my first attempt at using EastWest Hollywood Orchestra sample library in conjunction with Logic X. Hope you enjoy!
(without vocals):
There Is Life (for Vocal Ensemble, Rhythm Section and Orchestra)
This was an experimental piece, written for Easter, in which the tempo gradually morphs through the middle of the song, becoming twice as fast at the end, as the opening material returns in the same tempo in which it started, only now in ‘cut-time’. In order to make this rhythmic transition successfully, a click-track arrangement was made to guide the rhythm section players successfully.
Due to the pandemic, Easter 2020 presented a big challenge: how was I going to do a piece of this magnitude? I had already started producing the orchestration and arrangement with Logic Pro and the EastWest Hollywood Orchestra sample library. I ended up digitally producing all instrumentation together with two phoned-in choir parts, and a four-member vocal ensemble, including myself.
The original concept of the work was to blend the various stylistic elements of: 1) Praise and Worship, 2) Symphonic Orchestration, 3) Elements of folk/spiritual, using the pentatonic scale, and 4) an Obligato Choir line throughout. The piece starts in F minor and concludes in Eb Major after going through a passage of chromaticism towards the end of the piece.
I wrote the original version several years ago with limited success in our performance. The difficulty it presented to our group was a rhythmic one. Making the ‘twice as fast’ change was difficult for our team at that time. I knew the only way to successfully achieve it would be to use click across the entire group, including vocalists. Finally having this capability in my grasp, the pandemic situation caused me to abort the larger group idea, replacing the instrumentation with a fully produced track.
Following is the video performance used for Odessa Christian Faith Center’s Easter 2020, featuring Ana Young, Carmen Young, Debra Bledsoe, and myself:
There Is Life (©2020 Lowell Hohstadt)
There is life
There is life in the River,
life in the River which flows from the Throne,
it flows from the Throne,
it flows from the Throne
There is life
There is life in the breath of His Presence
There is peace beyond measure,
beyond measure,
a peace freely given,
freely given
It surrounds, it surrounds
and it covers like a flood
covers like a flood,
like a flood
There is fruit precious fruit
which grows on the Vine,
inside there is seed to be planted
If it falls up on ground that is fallow and moist,
its power, its power,
its power will reflect all of Heaven,
all of Heaven
There is fruit precious fruit
which grows on the Vine,
inside there is seed to be planted
If it falls up on ground that is fallow and moist,
its power, its power,
its power will reflect all of Heaven,
all of Heaven
All of Heaven
Jesus is the Resurrection
Jesus is the life
No one comes unto the Father
No one comes unto the Father of Lights
with Whom there is no variation,
with Whom there is no shifting shadow of turning
No one comes unto the Father of lights
by any other way but Jesus
Jesus is the Resurrection Jesus is the Life
Jesus is the Life
Resurrection, Resurrection
Resurrection, Resurrection,
If you believe there is nothing impossible
If you believe there is nothing impossible
For He said, "I Am the Resurrection, I Am the Life,
He who believes in Me will never die."
Resurrection, Resurrection
If you believe, If you believe,
All things are possible
Resurrection, Resurrection,
Resurrection, Resurrection,
Resurrection, Resurrection,
Resurrection and the Life,
Resurrection and the Life
There is life in the River
which flows from the Throne,
There is life in the breath of His Presence
There is peace beyond measure, a peace freely given,
it surrounds and it covers like a flood
There is fruit, precious fruit
which grows on the vine,
inside there is seed to be planted
If it falls upon ground that is fallow and moist,
its power, its power,
its power will reflect all of Heaven
All of Heaven
He said, "I Am the Resurrection. I Am the Life.
I Am the Resurrection. I Am the Life.
Believe in Me, Believe in Me,
You'll never die.
I Am the Life, I Am the Vine,
I Am alive, alive, alive."
There is life,
There is Life!
What Child Is This (for string quartet) Video
I enjoyed writing this arrangement/composition of the well-known Christmas carol. My family, along with Tim Tyler on viola are all involved, including Jonathan Hohstadt who did the video.
I hope you enjoy it.
Crown Him With Many Crowns (for String Quartet)
Here is a new string quartet arrangement of the famous hymn "Crown Him With Many Crowns". I hope you enjoy!
The Old Rugged Cross (for String Quartet)
In my opinion, these are some of the most powerful lyrics ever set to song, depicting the Christian faith. I hope you enjoy this arrangement for String Quartet.
On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world
Has a wondrous attraction for me
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary
So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
In the old rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above
To pardon and sanctify me
So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I'll share
So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Silent Night (for String Quartet)
Here's another String Quartet arrangement/composition, based on the well-known melody 'Silent Night'. Hope you enjoy!
Noel (for String Quartet)
As we get closer to the Christmas season, it's always fun to make a new twist with the old familiar carols. Here is a composition/arrangement on the theme 'The First Noel' for string quartet. I hope you enjoy!
O Holy Night (for SATB Choir, Piano and Orchestra)
Here's a unique original composition/arrangement to this beautiful song, incorporating a different version of 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', as well. Hope you enjoy it!
(This performance was taken from Odessa Christian Faith Center's Christmas Eve Production in 2013, directed by Stephanie Carter.)
Christmas Fantasy Overture (for full orchestra)
This work was originally conceived based on the simultaneous use of two themes: 1) Joy to the World (in C Major), and 2) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (in D Minor).
I was waking from sleep one morning imagining the two melodies happening simultaneously in these two key areas. At that time my main objective was to capture the thought by writing it down. I hadn't yet discovered why the melodies worked well together, or why I had imagined them in two separate tonal centers.
I then began the process of extracting fragments from each theme- melodic, harmonic and rhythmic.
Following is what I obtained from ‘Joy to the World’:
I then began building cluster harmonies based on the melodic fragments.
I created a cyclical ‘chord progression’ based on the melodic fragments of quartal harmonies to be used in an accompaniment ‘rhythm section’ punctuation of the melody.
I then began extracting patterns from ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’, as follows:
I noticed that quartal harmony was evident in this melody as well as ‘Joy to the World’.
The following rhythmic pattern became useful in building energetic syncopated passages.
I then discovered the reason both of these melodies worked so well together in their different tonal centers, and it surprised me. My ‘ear’ had imagined it, but until now I didn’t really know why it worked, but here is the reason: the basic construct of the ‘Joy to the World’ melody is C,A,G (in the key of C) and the basic construct of the melody ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ is D,F,G (in the key of D Minor). Both condensed melodic fragments, amazingly, are inversions of one another.
I began using this pattern with harmonies derived from the thematic fragments of both melodies.
There are scaler differences between the two melodies and their corresponding traditional harmonic treatment. Taking these differences creates a chromatic theme.
I finally created a ‘combined’ new melody using intervallic fragments of both melodies.
Throughout the work I tried to contrast the two melodies, almost in disagreement with one another, finally merging them into a ‘unified’ theme. Also the difference between the tonal center of C versus D is resolved at the end, as the ‘Joy to the World’ theme ultimately jumps up to unite with its D rival, causing the main tonal center of the work to shift from C to D, which also is motivically derived from both melodic themes.
The UTPB Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Thomas Hohstadt (my father), worked diligently to prepare the work, but the concert was cancelled due to an ice storm. Fortunately, we were able to obtain a good recording from the practices. I greatly appreciate everyone's hard work!
Antiphony (for Cello and Piano)
I recently had the privilege of having this piece premiered at Texas Tech by cellist Jeffrey Lastrapes. I began writing the work back in 2001, as Lastrapes, a member of the Lindsayan String Quartet, had recently performed my "Vignettes for String Quartet", and suggested the possibility of my writing a recital piece around 7-10 minutes in length.
I immediately began working on it, but after a computer glitch in the Finale file rendered a portion of the work inaccessible, together with Jeffrey moving to NYC and my usual busy schedule, I shelved the project.
Several years later, when I heard that Jeffrey had moved back to Lubbock, I thought I would try one more time to open the file, now with a later version of Finale, and to my amazement, the file was retrievable, so I finished the work within a few weeks in 2005.
After 10 years from its origin the work was premiered. Not only was I elated to hear it played, but also was glad to put a 'check-mark' next to a completed project.
I love Jeffrey's playing, which I endeavored to highlight in the compositional process. He's a great musician and a great friend.
To purchase sheet-music for Antiphony, click here
What Child
A very unique version of "What Child Is This", orchestrated from an electronica track I made earlier this year. Hope you enjoy!
(UTPB Orchestra, directed by Thomas Hohstadt, at the Wagner-Noel Performing Arts Center during the UTPB 2012 Christmas Concert.)
What Child Is This/ Do You See What I See
Here is a unique arrangement of these two well-known Christmas songs, put together in an unusual way. Hope you enjoy!
(This was performed by the UTPB Orchestra with a combined choir from surrounding regional high-schools during the University’s Christmas Concert at the Wagner-Noel Performing Arts Center.)
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Here's a string quartet arrangement I wrote using the melody from the hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
(purchase entire string hymns album)
The hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, written by Martin Luther, has had wide-spread influence throughout Christendom, having been used by many well-respected musicians throughout history, starting with J.S. Bach in his chorale cantata “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott” (BWV 80).
Other well-known composers include Dieterich Buxtehude, Johann Pachelbel, Felix Mendelssohn, Claude Debussy, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and more recently jazz pianist Bob James.
The message of God’s protection is as ancient as the Scriptural texts from which it is inspired. Having faith in His capacity to protect and defend us against all forces that would attempt to bring harm to our lives is foundational to the Christian faith. This protection even defies death itself: “That through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” (Heb. 2:14-15) “But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (I Cor. 15:54-55)
This conviction is not only relevant for eternity, but also for our daily existence, as the following two passages reveal a truth beneficial to our personal relationships.
“The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe (set on high)” (Prov. 18:10)
“The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted” (Prov. 29:25)
The words “safe” and “exalted” in the Hebrew are the same word: sagab, which means to be inaccessibly high, having the connotation of security, a place of safety to the one fleeing or to the one at rest in a fortified height which would be inaccessible to beast and enemy alike.
How many people curry the favor of various communities and leaders, only to be let down in one way or another. “Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord.” (Prov. 29:30)
Eventually, man’s ideas, communities, governments, authorities and protection all fail. But there is an absolute foundation of strength and power to those who unite to Him by faith. “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we may confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?’” (Heb. 13:5-6)
Throughout the ages, thousands will attest that He is faithful to all who put their trust in Him. “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” (Rom. 10:11)
The Songs of Christmas in America
Christmas, by its very definition, is a special day about Christ. With all the history that surrounds celebrating Christmas (some secular, some sacred) it’s interesting to see the progression in America over the past few decades in how we view the holiday.
Nothing shows the common mindset of the nation better than the songs popular with each generation, the songs of Christmas.
Although “Silent Night” was written in 1818 by Franz Gruber, in 1935 it became a hit single with Bing Crosby’s recording. In 1941 Katherine K. Davis wrote “The Little Drummer Boy”, which ended up becoming a hit single in 1958. In 1963, Bing Crosby again topped the charts with “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
These are examples of songs with a clear Christian message (albeit, with some creative license), honoring the Christian ethic and ultimately Christ Himself. That generation of listeners embraced these songs (and others like them) as meaningful representations of their own convictions, evidenced by their popularity.
However, it seems that the general American audience has strayed from the earlier sentiment of a Christ-centered holiday to songs revolving around Santa Claus (“Oh, Santa” Mariah Carey, 2010), elfs (“Elf’s Lament” Michael Buble), Christmas-trees (“Christmas Tree” Lady Gaga, 2009), mistletoe (“Mistletoe” Justin Bieber, 2011), and even wizards (“Wizards of Winter”, 2004 Trans-Siberian Orchestra). Ranging from secular to crass, songs like “The Greatest Time of Year” (2006, Aly & AJ), or “Mistress for Christmas” (1990 AC/DC) seem to suggest a greater commercialization and decadence in our culture than in past generations.
I’m not criticizing the artistry, relevance, or general fun that these songs may elicit. All of them obviously hit a share of the market that put them on top. But as one man said, “You can tell a lot about a person by observing what they do for entertainment and leisure.” What does America’s entertainment say about our society?
While there are examples of secularism in songs from earlier generations, as well as a few sacred examples that have arisen in our contemporary culture, the overall direction of what has been hailed as ‘popular’ through the past decades of American listeners seems to indicate a departure from the centrality of Christ in Christmas.
Let’s remember the true reason for Christmas, not only in our songs, but in our attitudes and convictions, celebrating Christ instead of the myriads of other detractions (i.e. materialism, hedonism, secularism and even mysticism).
After all Christ is central to the holiday’s name. Let’s make Him central in our lives, as well.
Angels We Have Heard On High (Mariachi)
Here's a new take on the well-known Christmas carol, Marichi style...
Hope you enjoy!
The Solid Rock
Here's a string quartet arrangement I wrote using the melody from the hymn "The Solid Rock".
(purchase entire string hymns album)
With so many voices competing for our attention, so many good ideas and seemingly stable aspects to our culture or community upon which we can lean, there is only one truth that will withstand the test of time, and that is the solid foundation of faith in Christ Jesus.
It surprises many when they see something they hold dear, something familiar just vanish from existence. Maybe a familiar building that is destroyed to make room for something new, maybe a cultural style that has ceased to be mainstream, or maybe a close family member or friend who has passed away, all of these things can have an unsettling effect upon our lives. As someone said, “The only thing constant is change.”
Even though everything in this world is perpetually changing, there is something higher than this world, something above the natural realm (i.e. super-natural). These things, however, are spiritually perceived. Though they are invisible to the natural eye, they are more real and more substantial than the things we can physically observe.
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18)
“Now faith is the assurance (substance) of things hoped for, the conviction (evidence) of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)
Even though everything around us is changing (seemingly impossible to keep up with) it is the spiritual realm that contains something solid as a rock.
When Jesus asked His disciples who people said that He was, Peter answered,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter (lit. Petros, a stone), and upon this rock (lit. Petra, large rock, bed-rock) I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.” (Matt. 16:17,18)
As Peter acknowledged Jesus as being the Christ, the Messiah, he was seeing the ‘unseen realm’, he was able to perceive beyond the natural. Upon the bed-rock revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the true church is being built. It is an unchangeable foundation. Even though history and cultures change, Jesus remains the priest,
“according to the likeness of Melchizedek (king of peace and righteousness), who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.” (Heb. 7:16)
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Heb. 6:19,20)
He is the Solid Rock, an unchanging foundation in the midst of an ever-changing world.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Edward Mote
'Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus
Here's a string quartet arrangement I wrote using the melody from the hymn "Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus".
(purchase entire string hymns album)
A simple hymn of trust, “Tis So Sweet” challenges the believer to simply relax and release control of our cares, worries and all of life’s difficulties, placing them all into the hands of our loving Creator.
It seems too good to be true, this message of God’s love, forgiveness and grace. It’s so easily mocked because of its simplicity. Many wonder, “Could there really be a way of escape from all the uncertainties of this life?” Yes! It’s in the simplicity of trust and faith in Christ.
“Now faith is the assurance (substance) of things hoped for, the conviction (evidence) of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)
God placed in each person the ability to perceive His goodness and to see that which is spiritual. Some people call it “women’s intuition” or they say, “I just knew in my heart…”
Modern science has proven multiple dimensions in the known universe. Is it really that hard to believe that there are things happening the realm of the unseen? After all, how many radio, television and cell phone waves are all around us, carrying messages, yet are imperceptible to the human eye?
The spiritual realm does exist, and God’s love, care and guidance are ever-present. It’s really not that hard…take a deep breath, lean back in your chair and say, “I trust You, Lord.”
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
Louisa M. R. Stead