BEACH SPRING is a hymn tune attributed to Benjamin Franklin White (1800-1879), co-editor of The Sacred Harp shape-note hymnal, where the tune was published in 1844. Paired there with a text beginning “Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,” it has served as an accompaniment for various other hymn texts since.
Although attributed to White, BEACH SPRING is likely of folk origin. Like many folk tunes, it is pentatonic — comprising five notes — degrees 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the major scale. In this arrangement, the tune is presented three times: first by trombone with piano accompaniment; next by flute and piano; and after a modulation up one step, by trombone and piano in a new harmonization with chromatic bass line.
An ideal choice for offertory or communion solo, BEACH SPRING may be performed by trombone (or euphonium, cello) and piano alone, as the flute melody in the second verse is present in the piano as well.
Piano score, bass clef and Bb treble clef solo parts, flute part — $5.99