PRELUDE on William Billings'
"When Jesus Wept"
for Organ

This Prelude in 3 strict voices is based on "When Jesus Wept," a hymn tune by early-American composer William Billings, and was written for Julia C. Callaway, organist at Nashville's Vine Street Christian Church. The work was premiered by Ms. Callaway in April 1996 at "The World's Largest Organ Concert," a national event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Guild of Organists.

In this setting the hymn tune appears in the pedal part, with two contrapuntal voices assigned to the swell. A 4 ' reed stop is specified for the pedal, sounding an octave higher than written. The hymn tune in the pedal should be made to stand out clearly, but should not obliterate the two voices in the manual.

With the exception of the final rallentando the work should be performed in strict tempo, in keeping with its traditional approach and contrapuntal nature.

Published by Metamorphic Music.