Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains
for SATB Chorus and Piano, Four-Hands
Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains
for SATB Chorus and Piano, Four-Hands
Performance time 2:59 | 12,612 views | [download_data id="572" data="download_count"] downloads | 15 comments
I love how the nativity scripture in Luke 2 evokes “the heavenly host” as an angelic choir singing, “Glory to God in the highest.” To me, this triumphant refrain favors a setting full of fanfare and majesty. So, fair warning, this piece is boisterous and bold, but (I think) appropriately fervent and (I hope) fun to sing—and play.
Looking for the version with Flute, Violin, and Cello?
A few of you have requested the “ensemble version” of this piece (with added flute, violin, and cello). You can download it here.
Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains | Text and music: John Menzies Macfarlane, 1833–1892 | Arrangement © 2001, 2016 Steven Smith
Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains | Text and music: John Menzies Macfarlane, 1833–1892 | Arrangement © 2001, 2016 Steven Smith
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I have a copy of the 2003 arrangement of Far, Far Away including the Flute, Violin, Violincello and 4-hand piano. Is there a separate music piece just for the instrumentalists (Flute, Violin, Violincello)? I don’t see this version on your website at this time, but I was hoping to perform this arrangement this Christmas and it would be so much easier for the instrumentalists to have their own sheet music.
I LOVE your arrangements, they are so fresh and wonderful. BTW, the audio file associated with Far, Far Away is not the correct song.
Thanks again and keep up the good work!!!
Thanks so much, Brenda! I appreciate the kind words and support.
I’ve just added the “ensemble version” of this piece to the site. You can get it here. The .zip file has all of the parts (separate sheet music for the instrumentalists). Thanks for letting me know about the audio file, too (now fixed). Good luck with the Christmas program!
Hi Steve, your arrangement sounds best among other arrangements of this song I know. I would like to ask if it’s possible that you send us a copy of accompaniment only of this song? We are preparing a Christmas Devotional in our Ward however nobody can play the other part. I can play either the primo or secondo only however it might not sound good. Haha. In case you will grant our wish, you may send it to https://www.facebook.com/edloyo. Thanks a lot. We will announce your name during the program.
Hi Edward,
Thanks so much for your comments. I’ve created a piano-only version of the accompaniment for your choir. Also, no need to mention my name or put it in the program—I’m happy to help! Good luck with your choir this Christmas!
We sang this song for our Christmas program and it was excellent! It was the perfect way to celebrate the birth of Christ. Thank you for sharing this arrangement!!
You’re very welcome! So glad it worked for you. (And Happy New Year!)
Hi Would be possible for you to share with us the Piano Accompaniment track for our Mexican Choir? gusabioipn@hotmail.com
Thanks, Gustavo. I don’t have a separate track for this (but I’ll consider adding one, if I get the time!).
I am absolutely in love with with arrangement! It filled our Christmas program with absolute REJOICING! I can not say enough good about it!!! I wish we could sing it every year! Thank you so much for bringing such a lively, full feeling of joy a celebration into our Christmas Sacrament meeting, it was the perfect ending.
You are so very kind! I couldn’t be happier that the piece worked for your choir and Christmas program. It’s definitely one of my favorites as well. Thank you so much for taking time to comment, too. I hope all is well with you and your choir!
Hi Steve, I am only able to download and print the primo, Flute and Choral sheet music. Also the piano-only version would only come up to listen to. I am planning our ward 2019 Christmas program, Can you help me?
Sure thing! You can download all of the files for the full ensemble here: https://soundsmithmusic.com/free-lds-sheet-music/far-far-away-judeas-plains-flute-violin-cello-piano-4-hands/ If you have any more trouble, please let me know (I just tested the links and they seem to all be working properly). Good luck!
Hi Steve, I’ve printed the 4 hands piano parts which also includes the choral parts. However, I didn’t want to give my choir 14 pages to hold. So I found the choral part in your downloads, but they are slightly different. If my choir sings the parts from the Choral sheet music, will it match up ok with the 4-Hands Piano part?
Hi Alison,
First my apologies for the ridiculously late response. I really do appreciate you taking time to use the arrangements and to contact me via the site (which, as you can tell, is sometimes difficult for me to keep up with!).
For those who may have a similar question: I updated this piece when I “re-published” it in 2016. The download link should have the full score, a piano part (printed for four-hands), and a separate choral part (5 pages) that alll work together. If you have an older version of the 4-hand part, I suggest downloading and using the “updated” versions on this page. They should all match. 🙂
Hi Steve, I love this arrangement so much. We sang it several years ago in our choir and I want to sing it again this Christmas. The downloads are not working (for any of the other arrangements either). In the free sheet music sight it doesn’t have the just choral part for download or the ensemble part. Anyway, I think your music is amazing. I know it is a lot of work to keep a website updated and I do appreciate your efforts to share your amazing talents with others.