Hosanna! Anthems for Palm Sunday and Easter 2020 Monday, February 03, 2020
recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists
for Palm Sunday
Hosanna in the Highest by Craig Courtney, SATB with organ and optional children’s choir, 3-5 octaves handbells, brass sextet and percussion
Although this majestic anthem is appropriate for Palm Sunday, its text, based on the Sanctus and Benedictus, makes it suitable for services and celebrations throughout the year. Optional children’s choir, handbells, brass and percussion lend adaptability for all types of settings.
With Waving Palms and Shouts of Praise arr. Keith Christopher, SATB with piano and optional children’s choir, congregation and handbells or handchimes
This selection, using the familiar FOREST GREEN tune, will make a joyous processional for Palm Sunday. Accessible choral writing makes this arrangement easily learned while still being highly effective. With the option to incorporate a children’s choir and the congregation, the piece builds to a triumphant, multigenerational close. An optional two-octave handbell (or handchime) part is included.
Hosanna to the King Who Comes! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional children’s choir, hand drum and bass
Lloyd Laron’s festive Palm Sunday anthem depicts Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem with a celebratory, upbeat groove and refrain. Incorporate a children’s choir for multi-generational participation, and if you’re looking to enhance the rhythmic elements, add the optional hand drum and bass parts.
for Easter Sunday
Christ Is Risen Today, Alleluia! by Patricia Mock/arr. Faye Lopez, SATB with piano and optional trumpet and congregation
Celebrate the resurrection power of Christ with this dynamic Easter anthem featuring the beloved EASTER HYMN. A gently syncopated melody is enhanced by accessible harmonies and a supportive accompaniment. Also included are options to add a bright trumpet obbligato and congregational participation.
Crown Him with Many Crowns arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional congregation
This regal selection provides the makings of a high moment of praise for the gathered church. Between the choral fanfares at the beginning and end, the congregation is invited to join the choir in this well-written arrangement of a favorite hymn. A soprano descant on the last stanza enhances the powerful unison melody sung by all. An optional orchestration is available separately. Majestic!
Risen Indeed! by Allen Pote, SATB with piano and optional brass quintet and timpani
This original anthem tells the Easter story in a mighty way with piano and/or organ, and dynamic brass accompaniment. The syncopation and rhythmic energy provides the festivity needed to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord proclaiming that Christ is risen indeed!
Christ Is Risen, Sing Alleluia! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with organ or piano and optional brass quintet, percussion, and 3 octave handbells
This exclamatory anthem is a joyous proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection. The regal opening features bold choral divisi before settling into a unison statement of a melody expertly composed by Lloyd Larson. The final section ultimately builds up to a restatement of the opening and ends with a big finish. Incorporate brass, handbells, percussion, and organ for a spectacular Easter morning!
The Great I AM! by Jay Rouse, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
From the cantata “Calvary’s Love,” this piece is a triumphant celebration of the power that overcame death and the grave. Soaring unison moments contrast with rich choral harmonies, supported by a substantial piano part or the impressive optional orchestration. Sweeping and majestic, this selection is a wonderful way to open or close your Easter service.
Find more anthems for Palm Sunday and Easter in our Listening Library, or call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC to speak with one of our Sheet Music Specialists. 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 15 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church and sings in the First Church Choir at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.