Rise Up, My Soul! Anthems for Worship Spring 2020 Friday, March 20, 2020
recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists
Rise Up, My Soul! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
This spirited and joyful anthem will set the tone for any worship service. Its message of triumph and joy will resonate with singer and listener alike. With a percussive and rhythmic accompaniment, this anthem is useful all year long. Easy to sing, yet exciting and fresh.
Gospel of Grace arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
In a relaxed gospel groove, Mary McDonald infuses her creativity and originality into traditional texts and melodies. Drawing from “Amazing Grace,” an original chorus elaborates on sentiments from the universally loved hymn. A rhythm section can be incorporated to enhance the gospel style.
O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God by Chaz Bowers, SATB a cappella
This lovely a cappella setting will be a welcome addition to your choir’s Holy Spirit and Pentecost repertoire and is also well suited to celebrations of confirmation or Communion. The piece gradually builds in intensity as it invokes the Breath of God to transform our lives. Rich four-part writing that is very accessible. Highly recommended!
There Is a Savior arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
The text to this classic contemporary song speaks of hope for tomorrow and the promise of mercy and forgiveness from the Savior. The inclusion of the old, gospel hymn refrain “My Savior’s Love” brings the message home expressing how marvelous and wonderful the Savior’s love truly is.
The First Song of Isaiah by Jack Noble White/arr. Lee Dengler, SAB with piano and optional congregation and handbells
Since it was first published in 1976, this anthem has been sung by millions of people worldwide. In addition to its simply profound message coupled with warm and inviting melody and harmonies, this anthem offers great flexibility in how it can be sung and accompanied: with or without a children’s choir, optional guitar, drums and handbells…or simply with organ and/or piano. Now available in a new SAB voicing.
Shall We Gather at the River arr. Anna Laura Page, SATB with piano and optional flute
This four-verse setting of the familiar text and tune is intimate and sensitive. Unison men’s voices are featured in a couple places, but the choral parts are not difficult. Piano and flute help the music flow forward. The third verse is set in triple meter to original music, a nice change before the final verse returns to the HANSON PLACE tune. Reproducible Flute part included.
We’ll Join the Everlasting Song! arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
The composer uses the traditional, classic hymn texts, ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME and CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS in combination and set to the tunes of KINGSFOLD and LEONI to form a robust hymn of praise and celebration, suitable for Easter and any other service of worship and celebration.
God of the Sparrow by Craig Courtney, SATB with piano and flute or violin
A tender prayer to the God of all comfort that He who sees and cares for each sparrow will lovingly care for us, His own children. Lyrics by Jonathan Cook. The flute or violin part is included in the octavo.
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About the Authors:
Judy H. began working in Stanton’s Choral Department in 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. Judy is also recently retired – congratulations Judy!
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.