Hymn 62 is one the the few hymns in our hymn book that does not begin with the traditional SATB four parts harmony. This simplify arrangement comprises of right hand main melody, with left hand playing a bass note follows by a two notes chord in each bar.
With this idea in mind, the simple accompaniment we are looking into will be based on the above
- Three beats in a bar
- Right hand plays the main melody
- Left hand plays a bass note on the first beat follows by a two notes chord on the second
- A rest on the third beat except the penultimate bar
Imagine we are in F major, using chords I, IV and V. The combination of possible 2 notes chord follows by the bass note will be as follow:
Familiarise this style by practicing the left hand; bass note to each of these chord. This will boost up your confidence in playing in this style.
We will use a short example to start with. Hymn 252 is in F major. Analysing bar by bar, first group the notes vertically and work out the harmony. Which chord out of I, IV and V to use. Starting that bar with the bass note follows by one the the four possible chord to go with it. Be careful not to use a chord that is rather high that may clashes with the right hand melody, nor too low towards the left that may sound grumpy. All these need practice, trials and errors.
The end result will be
Hosanna Praise 