Chorale Prelude - Faith of our Fathers

Christiaan Johannes Nobels (1938 - 2015) was organist of the Canadian Reformed Church in Brampton, Ontario for many years.

Throughout his life he produced a number of simple arrangements for a number of Genevan Psalm melodies, as well as a number of hymns. In addition, just before his death he successfully completed a set of preludes for each of the 150 Genevan Psalm melodies.

This arrangement is part of a set of three compositions on inter-related hymns (Spirit - Faith - Assurance) which he dedicated to his wife, Caroline. This is the second hymn in the set.

He wrote the following about this arrangement: "Faith of our fathers ... in spite of dungeons, fire and sword ... we will be true to Thee 'till death." These words reflect those of Ps. 22:8 "Our fathers trusted in Thee and Thou didst deliver them." This composition has five parts arranged in an ABCBA pattern.

The 1st and 5th parts are similar in style and are in 3/4 time.
The 2nd and 4th parts are the same theme and are in 6/8 time.
The 3rd part stands alone and showcases the melody in the rather interesting 9/8 time.

You can find the music for this arrangement, along with many other works by Christiaan here: https://christiaannobels.com/.