“Near The Cross” is arranged here as an advanced piano solo with a reflective hymn character and a full four-page build. The arrangement begins with a spacious chordal introduction, then moves into the hymn melody with simple support before expanding into wider arpeggiated textures, a more active middle section, and a final sweeping close across the keyboard.

Measures 1–9 open with broad, sustained chords. The writing is slow and spacious here, with the hymn harmony presented in a very direct way before the melody begins to move more clearly. The fermata at the end of the phrase gives the opening the feeling of a quiet introduction.

Measures 10–26 present the main hymn material more clearly. The melody appears in the upper voice while the left hand supports with chordal figures and simple bass movement. Around measures 19–26, the accompaniment becomes more flowing, with broken patterns underneath the melody instead of only blocked harmony.

Measures 27–36 move into the first large arpeggiated section. The key signature changes, and the texture becomes much more active, with fast broken patterns in the lower register and chordal melody notes above. This section gives the arrangement more motion and color, moving away from the simpler hymn texture of the opening page.

Measures 37–55 return to a clearer hymn statement, but with a fuller piano texture. The left hand uses repeated chord tones and broken accompaniment patterns while the right hand carries the melody above it. Near measures 51–55, the writing rises into the upper register with 8va writing and a brighter, more lifted sound.

Measures 56–58 create a short transitional passage with fast single-line motion. This section works like a brief flourish before the final large statement begins.

Measures 59–67 bring back the hymn melody over continuous rolling accompaniment. The left hand keeps a steady broken pattern while the right hand uses fuller melody notes and chord tones. This section has a broader sound than the earlier melody statements.

Measures 68–74 form the final sweeping ending. The writing expands into large arpeggiated figures that move across the keyboard, with wider spacing between the hands and a final high chord. The ending gives the arrangement a more dramatic close without losing the reflective character of the hymn.

Interesting fact: “Near The Cross” is also known by its opening line, “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross.” The hymn text was written by Fanny Crosby, and the tune was written by William H. Doane. In recent years, the hymn has continued to appear in modern worship settings, including a 2025 version connected with Keith & Kristyn Getty, Sandra McCracken, and the Sing! hymnal. (Hymnary)