Compositions — Christopher Kraus Music

Amen in G

SATB choir

A short liturgical Amen for use in service as a prayer response, benediction response or similar. Written for SATB a cappella choir, easy to intermediate difficulty.

Originally performed by the Tenth Presbyterian Church choir in Center City, Philadelphia.

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Away in a Manger

Solo piano

A joyful arrangement of the popular Christmas carol using CRADLE SONG by William J. Kirkpatrick. A simple, playful verse begins (“Away in a manger…”), growing into a more enthusiastic second verse (“The cattle are lowing…”), which allows for a greater range of dynamic expression than is typically attributed to this tune. Intermediate difficulty piano solo, appropriate as a prelude, offertory or postlude in a traditional church service.

First performed during Advent 2015 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.

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Blessed Be That Maid Marie

Bass clarinet & organ

Uniquely arranged for bass clarinet and organ, this lesser-known Christmas carol highlights the complementary textures of the bass clarinet with organ accompaniment. Complete in two statements of the tune and exploring the full depths of the bass clarinet, this arrangement serves well for intermediate players in the Advent season.

First performed on 31 December 2023 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE, with Samuel Schreiber on bass clarinet.

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From High Heaven (VOM HIMMEL HOCH)

Trumpet & organ

Fanfare arrangement of VOM HIMMEL HOCH by Martin Luther, opening with a challenging first verse for trumpet. The second verse features trumpet with the melody, exploring new tonal territory. The third verse contrasts greatly, with a quiet solo stop from the organ and trumpet accompanying with a straight mute. Finally, the last verse brings the arrangement home with a march-like maestoso. New harmonies and engaging rhythmic counterpoint decorate this classic tune, typically used with a Christmas text. Intermediate difficulty for organ, advanced for trumpet (straight mute required for one verse).

First performed on Reformation Sunday 2016 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. A recorded performance appears on my album Sanctuary: A Musical Refuge for the Soul, track 10, featuring Barbara Prugh on trumpet. That recording was featured on 27 July 2023 on the WVUD 91.3 FM Newark Fine-Tuning programme, hosted by Bel Canto.

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Cover of From High Heaven (VOM HIMMEL HOCH)

In the Bleak Midwinter

Piano solo

One of my favourite hymn tunes, CRANHAM by Gustav Holst, arranged as an intermediate to advanced difficulty piano solo. Close harmonies and leading suspensions dominate this four-verse arrangement, which also sprinkles in high-register “snowy” flourishes. A challenging middle verse highlights inner voicing against a moving right-hand ostinato. Appropriate as a prelude or offertory in a traditional church service.

First performed in winter 2018 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.

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See, Amid the Winter’s Snow

Bassoon, horn & organ

A unique instrumentation for bassoon, horn and organ. This two-verse arrangement of HUMILITY by John Goss lifts a familiar melody to new heights. Alternating between 5/4 and common time, the characteristics of the bassoon and horn are brought out with intertwining lines and complementary registers. Easy to intermediate difficulty for all players, appropriate for a prelude or offertory in a traditional church service.

First performed on Christmas Eve 2018 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.

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Toccata on Gaudete!

Organ solo

A bombastic Christmas postlude featuring the 16th-century carol GAUDETE (“Rejoice, ye!”). Intermediate to advanced skill required for polyrhythmic ostinatos, with full use of solo stops, full organ and 32′ bombarde if available.

First performed on Sunday 3 December at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.

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Two Choral Motets

SATB choir

Two original texts and choral motets (Orphan’s Prayer and Child’s Prayer) expressing the mystery of adoption in Christ, through the perspective of both the orphan coming to the throne with nothing to their name and then the child, blessed in the riches and sonship of Christ. These paired motets are written for an intermediate-level choir as a performance or musical offering work, and are not recommended for congregational worship.

First performed in a concert on hymnody as part of the Faith Concert Series.

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What Wondrous Love (with When I Survey)

English horn & piano

A reflective, easy to intermediate difficulty arrangement that combines the traditional hymn tune WONDROUS LOVE with HAMBURG by Lowell Mason. Three verses are stated between the two tunes, effortlessly passing responsibility for the melody between English horn and piano. Keys change fluidly throughout, reflecting the modal nature of WONDROUS LOVE. Appropriate for prelude or offertory in a traditional church service.

Originally performed in Holy Week 2017 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.

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Cover of What Wondrous Love (with When I Survey)