Anthems for Lent & Palm Sunday 2021 Monday, January 25, 2021
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
Explore new and best-selling anthems for Lent and Palm Sunday as featured on Stanton’s Virtual Sacred Choral Reading Session for Spring & Easter 2021!
LENT
Lenten Meditation by Jay Althouse, 2-part mixed with piano
Solid melodic writing combines with fluid inner choral lines to create a memorable choral anthem ideal for the Lenten season.
One Lonely Night by Joseph M. Martin, SATB with piano
An a cappella mezzo-soprano solo sets the mood for this Good Friday anthem by Joseph Martin which reminds us that Jesus’ road to the cross begins at the manger. Easily accessible, it is a good choice for your busy Holy Week schedule.
There Is a Green Hill Far Away by Deborah Govenor, SATB a cappella
A beautiful new setting, perfectly matched to the text, scored for solo and a cappella choir with a memorable melody. It will soon be a favorite of choir and congregation alike. While perfectly suited for Good Friday, it is equally useful for any service during Lent.
When Hope Fell Silent arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
From “Jesus! The Resurrection of the Messiah,” this solemn selection by Mary McDonald and Rose Aspinall captures the pain, anguish, and hopelessness surrounding the moment of Christ’s death. Rose’s powerful lyrics challenge the listener to contemplate the feelings of uncertainty and loss that were experienced as Jesus breathed his final breath. Perfect for Good Friday and Holy Week worship.
When Jesus Wept arr. Douglas E. Wagner, 2-part with piano and optional handbells
Based on a canon by William Billings, this anthem contemplates the breadth of Christ’s suffering and saving grace. The addition of handbell choir provides refreshing brightness in the midst of the somber mood of this selection.
Wondrous Love by Wes Cameron, SAB with piano
Asking “Why would the Son of God lay down his life for me?,” this Good Friday ballad exalts the “wondrous love the Savior showed for me!” Opening with a hint of the hymn “What Wondrous Love Is This,” this Lenten anthem is easily learned and makes a powerful statement.
PALM SUNDAY
Blessed Is He Who Comes by Lloyd Larson, SAB with piano and optional children’s choir, congregation, trumpet & handbells
This uplifting Palm Sunday anthem is designed for SAB choirs with optional children’s choir, solo trumpet and 2 octave handbells. With a jubilant melody and lilting rhythm it also can serve as a processional with the opening refrain repeated as needed. The middle section features the congregation joining in on the hymn “All Glory, Laud and Honor” and finally closes with both melodies overlapping in festive praise.
Blessed Is the King! Hosanna! arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional tambourine
This energetic anthem, uniquely based on two traditional Hebrew melodies and paired with a bouncy accompaniment, brings a spirited energy ideal for Palm Sunday services.
Hosanna, Hosanna! by Joseph M. Martin, 2-part mixed with piano and optional violin & percussion
With a distinctive Jewish flair, this anthem is a joyous celebration of Jesus arrival into Jerusalem. The festive text, energetic tune, and varied instrumental options ensure that this anthem will be a Palm Sunday favorite!
Sing a Glad Hosanna! arr. Lee Dengler & Susan Naus Dengler, SATB with piano
This joyful anthem for Palm Sunday blends the traditional Shaker tune “Followers of the Lamb” with the traditional Hebrew melody LEONI. Susan Dengler’s text is celebrative, while Lee Dengler’s arrangement is fresh and full of energy. Delightful!
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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.