BETHANY is one of Lowell Mason’s most-known hymn tunes, commonly paired with the text Nearer, My God, to Thee. This arrangement for cello quartet is based on an atypical setting in 6/8 from “The Chapel Hymnal” (1914). The meter enhances the traditional American style and loose form, offsetting the stylistic simplifications that Mason is known for.

Simple harmonics accompany the first two verses, initially in solo and then as a duet in sixths. The melody drops to the lower octave for the next two verses, as denser accompaniments develop into scalar patterns. Next, Mason’s four-part harmony is presented in its original octave. The final verse continues the melody and bass line with reflections of the earlier accompaniments.