Sacred Anthems for Small Ensembles Wednesday, September 02, 2020
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
As you continue online worship this fall, or perhaps start returning in-person, we recommend these anthems for smaller choirs to enhance your worship experiences, for a variety of voicings including easy SATB.
for General Worship
Bring It Home by Marty Parks, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
This soulful anthem by Marty Parks encourages us to lay our cares on Jesus. An optional rhythm accompaniment enhances the gospel feel in this reminder of our Savior’s comfort. “Ev’ry wound, ev’ry care, ev’ry burden that you bear; bring it home to the Father, bring it home.”
Gathered in God’s Love by Stan Pethel, SATB with piano
“Gathered in God’s love, assembled now in praise” is the theme of Stan Pethel’s grateful anthem describing the joy of meeting with other believers for worship. “Into His presence we have come, and here we stand amazed. His glory fills this temple like that of heaven above; with joyful hearts we worship as we gather in God’s love.”
God’s Love and Power Proclaim! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional flute & hand drum
Lloyd Larson’s original music and a traditional text by Isaac Watts combine to form an energetic proclamation of God’s love, power, and providence! Optional parts for flute and drum create a driving rhythmic feel in this anthem for use throughout the year.
Hymn of Praise arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
Mary McDonald’s stunning anthem is fitting for Thanksgiving or any time of year. Combining Gloria Gaither’s words and the tune O WALY WALY, this setting is pure beauty with accessible ranges and choral writing backed by a tender piano accompaniment. “Oh, loving Father, by Your grace, we gather here to seek Your face and thank You for this family, for hearth and home and loyalty.”
I Must Tell Jesus arr. Mark Hayes, SAB with piano and optional rhythm & brass
Set in an irresistible, slow gospel groove, Mark Hayes’s version of this classic will give your choir a chance to put some “soul” into their singing. The piano part is a winner on its own, but the optional rhythm and brass ensemble really brings this anthem alive.
Our Songs of Thanksgiving arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional flute & congregation
“We Gather Together” is woven into the fabric of this anthem for Thanksgiving from Lloyd Larson. Its sturdy vocal scoring and piano accompaniment give it dignity and excitement, while making it highly effective, yet easily-prepared. Add the optional flute obbligato for a sparkling touch.
We Remember You by Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional flute, clarinet, cello & horn
For communion, this prayerful ballad is a reminder that as we break the bread and share the cup, Christ will return again and take us home to heaven. This originally appeared in Joel’s best-selling Lenten cantata, “Love Divine.”
for Advent & Christmas
Bring Us Hope by Ruth Elaine Schram, 2-part mixed with piano and optional cello
Choirs large and small will find this flexible anthem to be a tender, readily learned addition to their Advent programs. The message touches on several prominent themes, making it an ideal option to return to again and again: “Bring us hope, bring us love, bring us peace from above.”
Carol of the Advent arr. Philip Dietterich, SATB with piano or organ
This Philip Dietterich arrangement of the text, “People Look East,” by 19th century poet Eleanor Farjeon, set to the Besancon carol tune has been delighting audiences for over 35 years.
Christ Was Born on Christmas Day arr. Mark Hayes, SATB with piano
With energy and joyful celebration, this new offering from Mark Hayes puts a bright new sheen on a Christmas classic. The optional woodwind/percussion accompaniment enhances the well-crafted accompaniment and singable vocal scoring. Proclaim the joy of Christ’s coming with this new gem!
Come, Messiah! by Lloyd Larson, SAB with piano and optional oboe & percussion
This buoyant anthem by Lloyd Larson will be readily learned and appreciated by choirs large or small. “O come, Divine Messiah, the world in silence waits the day when hope shall sing its triumph, and sorrows flee away.” The delightful piano accompaniment along with optional oboe and light percussion make this fresh consideration for Advent.
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
Choir and congregation alike will identify with this exuberant Advent anthem with music quoting the familiar HYFRYDOL and text attributed to Doddridge and Wesley. It is written for SATB Choir with a buoyant keyboard accompaniment adding to the excitement of the triumphant processional.
Prepare for the Coming of the Lord! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
This upbeat anthem from Lloyd Larson features a sturdy melody in a minor key with contrasting sections of hope and anticipation. With words from the book of Isaiah, it is a great choice to complement sermons and teaching through the Advent season.
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About the Author:
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.