Amazing Grace is perhaps the best-known and best-loved hymn in the world. The writer, John Newton, led a dissolute life as a sailor in the slave trade for many years before marriage, along with a close encounter with death at sea, dramatically changed his perspective. He lived out his later years as a devout and charismatic clergyman in the English countryside, renowned for his direct and personal style. The words he wrote in Amazing Grace are an intimate retelling of his spiritual journey.

The hymn was written in 1773, and was sung to many different melodies initially, but since the mid nineteenth century it has become most closely associated with the famous folk tune melody presented here, New Britain.

This version is arranged as a solo for Viola with Piano accompaniment. The melody is played four times, each verse in a different style. If you would like to hear and see the whole arrangement then click the youtube link https://youtu.be/T4h91k9M8mc

Musicians at an intermediate level and above will find this ideal for formal and informal performances, on both sacred and secular occasions. The overall performance time is around three and a half minutes.