Nearer, Still Nearer / French Horn
Although the melody of this favorite hymn has not changed, the harmonies have adjusted in several places. Four stanzas are written in this arrangement, the first and second carried by piano and instruments. The third stanza gives option for the congregation to sing unaccompanied on “… Lord, to be Thine, sin with its follies I gladly resign.” The music offers written harmonies in the piano accompaniment for the option to use soft piano accompaniment if desired. Pianist should quietly “bleed in,” preferably by the second to the last measure of the third stanza, and then build much strength through the final key change with climactic, glorious strength. Instruments and voices enter on, “…. While life shall last, Till safe in glory my anchor is cast.”