Eternal Father, Strong to Save (Navy Hymn, Melita)

Eternal Father, Strong to Save (aka “Melita“) is used as the Navy Hymn. It was composed by John Bacchus Dykes It is sung at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Royal Navy (GB), and is often used for military observances, patriotic occasions, and at funerals for military personnel and for two US Presidents.

This arrangement is for string quartet, with four different and interesting arrangements included — one for each verse — before returning to the opening arrangement of the familiar melody. The first violin begins and ends the piece with the melody. Other verses feature the cello, followed by the viola. One verse has the two violins in harmony, with the lower strings providing a simple accompaniment. Score, set of parts. Watch it on You Tube – HERE!