Andrew Wainwright’s sensitive setting of Breathe on Me, Breath of God was commissioned by Sione Malekamu Manu Jr for the 2026 Tonga Secondary School Music Festival, in memory of the late Sione Malekamu Manu. The piece offers a reflective yet powerful treatment of Edwin Hatch’s beloved 1878 hymn. Set across two contrasting verses, the arrangement traces a spiritual journey from quiet contemplation to triumphant exaltation.
The first verse opens with delicate textures and warm, blended tone, allowing the familiar melody - traditionally set to Robert Jackson’s tune Trentham - to emerge with serene simplicity.
Building seamlessly through a transitional passage, the setting broadens into a majestic second verse, celebrating the transformative power and majesty of the divine spirit. Concise yet profoundly moving, this arrangement showcases both the lyrical sensitivity and majestic power inherent to the traditional brass band.
To view a rolling score video of this piece please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh7WRTwhpqM
Duration: approx. 2.40 minutes
Difficulty Level: 4th Section +
This PDF download includes the full score and parts.
Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or https://satradecentral.org (USA)
Instrumentation:
Soprano Cornet Eb
Solo Cornet Bb
Repiano Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
3rd Cornet Bb
Flugel Horn Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
1st Baritone Bb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
Bass Eb
Bass Bb
Timpani
Percussion 1-2