John Goss | Hark! Heard Ye Not? | for String Quintet

After purchase, you will receive the digital sheet music, and rehearsal play-along recordings created with NotePerformer 5.

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This arrangement adapts Sir John Goss’s choral work Hark! Heard Ye Not? into a rich and expressive string quintet, preserving the lyrical beauty and devotional character of the original while enhancing its warmth through layered string textures. Scored for a balanced ensemble, this piece is ideal for intermediate-level performers and is well-suited for concert performances, sacred music programs, or educational settings.

Instrumentation:

• Violin 1
• Violin 2
• Viola
• Violoncello
• Double Bass

Key Features:

• Faithful Adaptation: Retains the homophonic, hymn-like structure of Goss’s original, with carefully crafted string writing that emulates the choral SATB voicing.
• Medium Difficulty: Accessible to advanced student ensembles, amateur chamber groups, and professional performers alike.
• Expressive Dynamics: Includes phrasing and articulation markings to guide performers in capturing the piece’s devotional character.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for church concerts, recitals, or as a reflective interlude in secular programs.

About the Composer:

Sir John Goss (1800–1880) was a leading figure in 19th-century English sacred music, renowned for his contributions as a composer, organist, and educator. As organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral and a professor at the Royal Academy of Music, Goss shaped Victorian church music, leaving a legacy that includes beloved hymns such as Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. His works are celebrated for their melodic grace and accessibility, qualities that shine in Hark! Heard Ye Not?

About the Original Work:

A lesser known but charming part-song or anthem, Hark! Heard Ye Not? exemplifies Goss’s skill in crafting uplifting, text-driven music for choirs. Its lyrical lines and homophonic textures translate beautifully to strings, offering a fresh yet reverent interpretation of this Victorian gem.

Ideal For:

• Chamber music concerts
• Church or sacred music events
• Educational ensemble rehearsals
• Historical music programs

This arrangement invites string players to explore the elegance of Goss’s compositional style while delivering a poignant and harmonically satisfying performance piece.