News & Views Monday, March 18, 2024

New Church Anthems for Spring 2018 Monday, February 05, 2018

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists

Even in the midst of the ice and snow, it’s time to start planning your choral anthems for this spring! Here are some of our recommendations for Sundays through Lent and Easter, as well as general worship:

FOR LENT
leon-520735At Calvary’s Cross by Mary McDonald
Based on a well-known text, this powerful testament of grace is rich with meaning and musical beauty. A winsome melody wafts like a folk tune against a flowing piano part, carrying with tender care the truth of Calvary and the awesome thoughts of Christ’s atonement. The restrained ending helps transition from the “special music” moment to the sermon, or perhaps to function as a choral response to the message. Moving!

Sorrow Like His by Larry Shackley
This powerful, soulful piece, based on the scripture verse behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, asks the listener to consider the events of Christ s betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. Set in the style of a spiritual, this a cappella anthem is ideal for contemplative Holy Week services.

FOR PALM SUNDAY
hinsha-hmc2111-fRide On, Ride On in Majesty arr. Howard Helvey
Howard Helvey is quite well known to choral musicians. This Palm Sunday anthem for mixed voices with organ has an optional congregational part that is printed in the back of the octavo.

FOR EASTER
Alleluia, Christ Is Alive! by Joel Raney
From the fist notes, and the sound of the organ chime, the tone is set in the garden, as Mary is searching for Jesus. Learning that “He is risen and the tomb is empty,” the music swells forward with dynamic energy and compelling rhythm. The addition of piano, brass and percussion further heightens this triumphant Easter Day exaltation.

FOR GENERAL WORSHIP
lorenz-521401Guide My Feet arr. Lloyd Larson
Lloyd Larson s setting of the classic spiritual is imbued with a vibrant energy. From the opening a cappella lines to the soulful middle verses and driving ending, this inspiring anthem is a powerful statement of trust in the God who leads and guides our journey of faith.

Meditations of My Heart by Elaine Hagenberg
Based on Psalm 19, this lyric anthem is a prayerful expression of our need for God’s transforming power. The beautiful melodies and stirring refrains are the hallmarks of Elaine Hagenberg’s compositions and this song of devotion is no exception. A perfect selection for a prayer response or for Holy Communion.

bpi-cu1048-fAncient Words arr. Craig Courtney
In his setting of Lynn DeShazo’s song, Craig Courtney has captured the simplicity and accessibility of a beloved hymn and woven into it expressive nuances, including the lyrical, a cappella introduction with its compelling harmonies, which seamlessly lead into Courtney’s signature expressive piano voicing. His arrangement features all the various colors of the sections of the choir with a climatic build to the third refrain, intended to be sung in gospel style. The piece is constructed with a lovely arc, ending much as it began, in quiet repose, proclaiming the assurance of the text.

Did you miss out on attending our January Sacred Choral Reading Session? If you’re interested in purchasing a packet from this year’s clinic (including these and many more selections for spring worship), please contact us! Visit our Virtual Workshop to view live footage of the clinic, and remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.

Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.

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