Compositions
You may find my compositions listed below, which are available for sale on J.W. Pepper, Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct.
All works published by Christopher M Kraus Music, ASCAP (1216157480). All Copyrights held by Christopher M. Kraus, ASCAP (1194819027).
All works published by Christopher M Kraus Music, ASCAP (1216157480). All Copyrights held by Christopher M. Kraus, ASCAP (1194819027).
A short liturgical Amen for use in service as a prayer response, benediction response, or other. Written for SATB a cappella choir, easy-intermediate difficulty.
Copyright © 2009 Originally performed by Tenth Presbyterian Church choir in Center City, Philadelphia. |
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A joyful arrangement of the popular Christmas carol, Away In A Manger, using CRADLE SONG by William J. Kirkpatrick. A simple, playful verse begins ("Away in a manger...), growing into a more enthusiastic second verse ("The cattle are lowing...), which allows for a greater range of dynamic expression than is typically attributed to this tune. Intermediate difficulty piano solo, appropriate as a Prelude, Offertory, or Postlude in a traditional church service.
Copyright © 2015 First performed during Advent, 2015 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.
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Uniquely arranged for Bass Clarinet and Organ, this lesser known Christmas Carol highlights the complimentary textures of the bass clarinet with organ accompaniment. Complete in two statements of the tune and exploring the full depths of the bass clarinet, this arrangement serves well for intermediate players in the advent season. Appropriate for Christmas and Advent in a traditional setting.
Copyright © 2023 First Performed on December 31st, 2023 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE with Samuel Schreiber on Bass Clarinet.
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Fanfare arrangement of VOM HIMMER HOCH by Martin Luther, opening with a challenging first verse for trumpet. Second verse features Trumpet with the melody, exploring new tonal territory. The third verse contrasts greatly, with a quiet solo stop from organ and Trumpet accompanying with a straight mute. Finally, the last verse brings this arrangement home with a march-like maestoso. New harmonies and engaging rhythmic counterpoint decorate this classic tune, typically used with a Christmas text. Intermediate difficulty for organ, Advanced difficulty for Trumpet (straight mute required for 1 verse). Appropriate as a Fanfare Prelude or Postlude in a traditional church service.
Copyright © 2016 First performed on Reformation Sunday, 2016 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. Recorded performance of this piece available on my album, Sanctuary: A Musical Refuge for the Soul. See Track 10 featuring Barbara Prugh on Trumpet. This recording was also featured July 27, 2023 on the WVUD 91.3FM Newark Fine-Tuning program, hosted by Bel Canto. Finally, a video performance of this piece can be seen on my YouTube channel. |
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One of my favorite Hymn tunes, CRANHAM, by Gustav Holst arranged as an Intermediate-Advanced difficulty Piano Solo. Close harmonies and leading suspensions dominate this 4-verse arrangement, which also sprinkles in high register "snowy" flourishes. A challenging middle verse highlights inner voicing against a moving right-hand ostinato. Appropriate as a Prelude or Offertory in a traditional church service.
Copyright © 2018 First performed winter 2018 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. |
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A unique instrumentation for Bassoon, Horn, and Organ, this 2-verse arrangement of HUMILITY by John Goss lifts this familiar melody to new heights. Alternating between 5/4 and common time, the characteristics of the Bassoon and Horn are brought out with intertwining lines and complimenting registers. Easy-intermediate difficulty for all players and appropriate for a Prelude or Offertory in a traditional church service.
Copyright © 2014 First performed Christmas Eve, 2018 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. |
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(16th Century Carol)Bombastic Christmas postlude, featuring the 16th Century carol, GAUDETE ("Rejoice, Ye!"). Intermediate/advanced skill required for polyrhythmic ostinatos, with full use of solo stops, full organ and 32' Bombarde (if available).
First performed on Sunday, December 3rd at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.
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Two original texts and choral motets expressing the mystery of adoption in Christ through the perspective of both the orphan coming the throne with nothing to their name and then the child, blessed in the riches and sonship of Christ. These paired motets are written for an intermediate skill level choir as a performance / musical offering work and not recommended for congregational worship.
Copyright © 2018 First performed in a concert on Hymnody as part of the Faith Concert Series. |
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A reflective, easy-intermediate difficulty arrangement that combines the traditional Hymn tune, WONDROUS LOVE with HAMBURG (Lowell Mason). Three verses are stated between the two tunes, effortlessly passing responsibility for the melody between English Horn and Piano. Keys change fluidly throughout, reflecting the modal nature of WONDROUS LOVE. Appropriate for Prelude or Offertory in a traditional church service.
Copyright © 2017 Originally performed Holy Week, 2017 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. |
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