God Almighty Is! New Anthems for Fall 2023 Friday, August 25, 2023
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
God Almighty Is! by Mary McDonald, SAB with piano and optional orchestra
This original anthem powerfully proclaims that God is “the light, he’s the courage, he’s the strength. Holy, holy, God Almighty! He is power and the glory, God Almighty is!” Celebrating the many attributes of God, the riveting melody and harmonies will lift the congregation in praise to God.
Come, Christians, Join to Sing arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
Extracted from his best-selling choral work, “A Festival of Hymns,” this Lloyd Larson arrangement will serve as the perfect Call to Worship during the Fall season and any other time of year.
Down by the Riverside (with Standing in the Need of Prayer) arr. Mary McDonald, 2-part mixed with piano and optional rhythm
Combining two familiar spirituals, this dazzling arrangement utilizes an abundance of rhythmic energy to express the need to lay down our burdens and stand before the Lord in prayer. Written in a down-home gospel style, this piece is well-crafted and just plain fun.
I Came to Believe by Karen Crane/arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
This gently contemporary anthem from Karen Crane and Mary McDonald perfectly highlights the joy believers experience after finding new life in Christ. The meaningful verses combine with a rousing chorus to create a worship song that will inspire your congregation.
I Will Give Thanks by Craig Courtney, SATB with piano
Craig Courtney’s adaptation of Psalm texts creates a quiet reflection of gratitude that gradually crescendos to an overwhelming outpouring of praise. An eloquent expression of thanksgiving for the fall season or any general worship.
Lead Me Home arr. Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
This soulful, gospel medley starts with “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” then segues into “Softly and Tenderly,” returning with a rousing gospel restating of the original hymn. The piano accompaniment is classic gospel and the mini-orchestration enhances the presentation.
Let the Song of Praise Be Heard by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
Let the song be heard with this delightful original composition. The text is adapted from Psalm 100 and encourages us to celebrate with singing and lift our hands with joy to the Lord. Perfect for any celebratory occasion.
O Word of God arr. Craig Courtney, SATB with piano and optional B-flat or C instrument
A new tune for a worthy hymn text! Craig Courtney’s stately musical setting allows the various metaphors for Scripture to shine clearly in this anthem, suitable as a prayer for illumination or general worship. Optional congregation (reproducible hymn sheet included) and optional C or Bb instrument will add interest and strength to the SATB voices and piano.
Our Eternal Home by Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional brass
This original composition uses the classic words of Isaac Watts; “Our God, our help in ages past,” and adds an original refrain. With its light, gospel feeling, this anthem will fill the hearts of choirs and audiences. The optional trumpets, horn and trombone add a New Orleans punch.
Pick Up a Crown by Heather Sorenson, SATB divisi a cappella
Heather Sorenson is a student of the traditional spiritual, and her skill shines brightly in this exciting new anthem. Starting with a slow, soulful solo accompanied by the choir, this dazzling selection quickly moves into an up-tempo groove that will keep feet tapping until the very end. Deftly featuring a wide variety of vocal textures, this contemporary spiritual will take some work, but the results will be worth it!
Psalm of Praise and Thanksgiving by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
This multi-purpose anthem from the inspired pen of Mary McDonald is a winner! Set in a majestic 3/4 with a sweeping orchestration by Michael Lawrence, this anthem gradually builds toward a magnificent ending which invites the congregation to join the choir in singing the classic hymn, “Come, Thou Almighty King.”
River of Freedom by Brad Nix, SATB with piano
This soulful new anthem from Pamela Stewart and Brad Nix invites your congregation to find living water in Christ. The text is firmly rooted in scripture, and the music, set in a fun gospel 3/4, is a perfect marriage for the lyric. The part-writing is crafted for performance by a wide range of ensembles, and the ranges are manageable for most singers. Highly recommended!
Seekers of Your Heart arr. Mary McDonald, SAB with piano
This appealing arrangement is heartfelt and lyrical. The easy to sing melody will stick with your choir and congregation. The text reminds us to first know God and be seekers of God’s heart. A brief quote from “O Jesus Blest Redeemer” leads to a quiet, compelling ending.
Take It to the Lord in Prayer arr. Joel Raney, SAB with piano and optional rhythm
This rousing gospel presentation is built around the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and will have your choir singing from their hearts. A touch of the old gospel song, “Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” brings a sweet moment of nostalgia to this dynamic anthem.
Total Praise arr. Joel Raney, SAB with piano
This contemporary gospel song has become widely known for its simple message and powerful impact. Joel Raney pairs it with “Holy, Holy, Holy” and provides an accessible, Quick Study version maintaining all the gospel harmonies that make this a worship sensation.
Unto God by Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
This compelling, original composition dramatically proclaims God’s praises. There is a sweeping, colorful orchestration by Michael Lawrence. Building throughout to a powerful ending praising, “God of power, God of love!” This is sure to be a shining moment in any concert or worship service.
We Shall Rise by Stan Pethel, SATB with piano
This original anthem from Stan Pethel is full of joy and hope! In true southern gospel style, your basses will relish the moving lines, and each section of the choir is given fun, idiomatic part-writing. The bouncy piano accompaniment complements the package. This is one that you’ll return to many times during the church year!
What a Friend We Have in Jesus arr. Molly Ijames, SATB with piano
Here is a setting of this classic hymn unlike any you’ve heard before. Molly clothes this well-known melody in a gentle, folk-like style featuring a rhythmic piano accompaniment, beautiful choral layering, and unexpected harmonic surprises. This one will require a little work, but it will be well worth the effort.
Without Him arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Mylon LeFevre’s classic gospel song is given a fresh treatment in Mary McDonald’s new setting. Written for SATB choir, piano, and optional rhythm, your singers will enjoy preparing and presenting this inspired arrangement. The music opens with an a cappella presentation of the famous chorus, and then settles into a slow gospel groove that is one of Mary’s signatures. A modulation leads the anthem to its compelling conclusion.
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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 20 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 and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her three standard long haired dachshunds, Fanny, Frenchie, and Lukas.