Variations on The Spirit Sent From Heaven Above (Winchester New)

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.

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 first hymn in the set.

He wrote the following about this arrangement: In this composition there are 7 variations preceded by a lively introduction and followed by the chorale, a total of 9 elements.

Variation 1 is in the form of a trio. The melody is in the right hand, a counter melody in the left while the pedal has its own independent part. This variation represents "The Spirit sent from heaven above".

Variation 2 has the melody ornamented with triplets and indicates the gifts that are poured out by the Spirit.

Variation 3 changes the mood suddenly. Even when we know the Spirit we can still get down at times when we realize that we really don't know how to pray. This is indicated by a change in the key to the minor, giving a dramatic effect.

Variation 4 maintains the minor key, but the triplets are reintroduced, the tempo is increased and, at the very end of this part, we suddenly are in the major key again.

Variation 5 reflects the joy of realizing that the Spirit perfects our prayers. The melody jumps out in 6/8 time in a dance like quality.

Variation 6 returns to normal time, but the left hand continues as in variation #5. Our cause is now the Spirit's cause.

Variation 7 returns to the theme of variation 2 except it is much more robust and is performed at an increased tempo to lead into the finale, the chorale, "O come, Lord Jesus, come, we pray".

You can find the music for this arrangement here: https://christiaannobels.com/.