On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss

Naomi Stamoolis, oboe; Allison King and Linda Anderson, clarinet; Herb Dunham, euphonium

Arranged by David Holsinger, Darrell Anderson, and Allison King

From Allison: “On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss” is an arrangement of the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” The text for this hymn was written by Horatio Spafford; his friend, Philip Bliss, set the text to music. In 1873, Spafford’s family planned a trip to Europe, but Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he stayed behind to manage a real estate sale. The ship his family took crashed into another ship, and both ships sank. Spafford lost all four of his daughters; only his wife survived. While traveling to Europe to rejoin his wife, he wrote the text for “It Is Well With My Soul.” David Holsinger arranged “It Is Well With My Soul” for band under the title, “On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss.” The band piece is popular for concerts and contests, and it has been arranged for many smaller ensembles, including clarinet quartet, brass band, and string ensemble, among others. This arrangement is adapted from the clarinet quartet arranged by Darrell Anderson. This hymn expresses trust in God throughout the many trials in this life, resting in His peace, which is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.