How to add a descant to a hymn

Here is a simple way to give a little flavor to a regular hymn.

One way to make any hymn special is to add a descant. When I am adding a descant for violin or flute to a hymn, I usually have the violinist play the alto or tenor part an octave higher. That way I know all the notes will fit well with the melody and accompaniment. If the entire alto or tenor doesn’t flow well, or is too high, I might bring that note down an octave or borrow another note from another part for that section of the music. A repeating note could be held to cut down on the choppy feeling.

Then I write it out and see how it all fits together. It helps me to have someone play the hymn through while I play the descant to see how it sounds.

Let your creative juices flow!