Streams of Mercy: A Hymnsong Medley for Dulcimer and Orchestra

This hymnsong medley was composed by Mark Alan Wade, National Hammered Dulcimer Champion for the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece begins with foreshadowing fragments of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" interrupted by flurries of dulcimer arpeggios like the wind scattering leaves. The full hymn follows led by the soloist while woodwinds evoke imagery an Irish countryside. A brief canonic interlude builds the full orchestras grand final statement of the hymn. The dulcimer then introduces the second theme, "I Will Arise and Go to Jesus." This haunting minor tune builds in intensity, culminating in an Irish slip jig on the same hymnsong. The final hymn vignette presents the hymn, "Be Thou My Vision," sparsely accompanied by the orchestra. The woodwind "birds" call out in the distance as the pieces draws to a close.