This brass quintet version of the traditional hymn Amazing Grace was inspired by the origins of the lyrics. The words to the song were written by John Newton, an Englishman who was the captain of a slave ship. After a huge storm at sea, his ship began to sink and he called out to God for help. The cargo in the hold shifted and blocked more water from entering the hull. By the time his ship drifted back to land, he had become an evangelical Christian, and from then on, gave up drinking, gambling and profanity. It was during his later life as an Anglican cleric that he wrote these words.

The arrangement begins with the tune as standard before morphing into a minor middle section, signifying Newton's loss and despair, after which the tune builds to a harmonious conclusion. It is a simple but effective arrangement and would serve well as a 'lip-saver' in the middle of a more challenging programme of music. Performers are encouraged to tell the audience all about John Newton before playing this arrangement, as it's a fascinating story (and gives a little extra rest before playing).

The trombone and tuba parts are presented here in bass clef, but treble clef Bb and Eb parts are also available. If you've purchased this piece and would prefer those over the bass clef, please contact me through my profile here on ScoreExchange.