New Church Anthems for Spring Friday, February 11, 2011
It may still be cold and snowy outside, but it's certainly not too early to be planning your choral anthems for this spring!  Stanton’s Sacred Choral Music staff has carefully chosen these pieces to be appropriate for a variety of worship styles and services throughout the coming months:
For the Lenten season, Cindy Berry has created an expressive, poignant setting of Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane with Cup of Sorrow. Powerful text images and a stirring accompaniment with optional cello obbligato reflect the mood of this moving anthem. Also try Near to the Heart of God, a lovely combination of two favorite meditational hymns, “Draw Me Nearer” and “Near to the Heart of God.” Rich harmonies with a gently moving accompaniment combine to propel this setting for SATB choir and keyboard straight to the heart, making it perfect for many occasions, Lenten or otherwise.
A Palm Sunday anthem that will crown the beginning of any Holy Week is Hosanna! Sing a Loud Hosanna! Mark Hayes, the master arranger of our time, playfully alternates duple and triple rhythm in the 6/8 meter to create an anthem that is purely infectious. Easily learned vocal lines, a colorful text by G. Moultrie, and constant interplay between choir and trumpet create an overall mood of youthful exuberance!
Celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday with Lloyd Larson’s Glorious, Risen Christ! The energy and joyous spirit of Easter morning are conveyed through meaningful text and a lively accompaniment, which includes options for brass and percussion or full orchestra. An optional monologue, which speaks of the true awe and majesty of the risen Lord, is also included.
For other Sundays this spring, try Mary McDonald's Be Still, which offers the tender admonition to “be still and know that I am God” balanced with the quiet promise of the gift of peace. Scored for SATB with piano accompaniment, this beautiful anthem is well within the reach of the average church choir and is suitable for any occasion in worship. Other wonderful choices include His Eye is on the Sparrow (an accessible and elegantly styled arrangement), A New Psalm of Hope (“I will lift up my life to the Lord!”), and Safe Within the Arms (a rousing gospel original).
Did you miss out on our Sacred Choral Music Reading Session. Never fear! If you're interested in receiving a packet from this year's clinic (featuring these and many more selections for spring worship), please contact us! You can also click here to view our entire Sacred Choral promotion for Spring 2011.