It Is Well: Anthems for Spring 2024 Monday, March 04, 2024
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
It Is Well by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
Mary McDonald has penned a moving and beautiful new melody to the immortal “It Is Well with My Soul” text. The melody and harmonies flow effortlessly over the smooth accompaniment, creating an expressive and ultimately triumphant experience for singers and listeners alike. The final cadence rings with a bold, resolute “with my soul!”
Do Lord, Remember Me arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
This lively arrangement of the beloved spiritual is sure to uplift your choir and congregants alike.
Give Me Jesus arr. Trevor Manor, SATB with piano and optional congregation
Beautiful vocal lines and satisfying accompaniment are the hallmarks of anthems in the Congregational Anthem Series. Combining the beauty of choral anthems with the importance of congregational singing, these works feature familiar hymns, accessible and well-crafted choral writing, and simple yet compelling accompaniments. They allow the entire congregation to join the choir without rehearsal. These works can function either as choral anthems or congregational hymns in a service order using the included congregational melody sheet.
Glory to God (Whose Goodness Shines on Me) arr. Joel Raney, SAB with piano
This Quick Study Choral pairs Paul Vasile’s setting of the “Gloria Patri” with “To God Be the Glory” in a spirited, gospel toe-tapper. This masterful setting is rich with a treasure trove of catchy, gospel licks.
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah arr. Craig Courtney, SATB with piano
New joy and life have been infused into the tune CWM RHONDA with a buoyant and syncopated piano accompaniment. The setting gradually gains intensity, culminating in a strong final chorus: “Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.”
Hail, Holy Light arr. Howard Helvey, SATB with piano
The ST CLEMENT tune, often associated with an evening hymn, is paired with a fresh morning hymn of praise: “Hail, holy light! The world rejoices as morning breaks and shadows fly.” The choral and piano writing shine exquisitely in this anthem.
It Is Well with My Soul arr. Tom Trenney, SATB with piano and optional C or B-flat instrument & organ
This fresh setting of the beloved hymn has unique treatments of the refrain and uses rich textures and harmonies to bring the text alive in a new way for your choir and congregation.
O God Beyond All Praising arr. David Schwoebel, SATB with piano and optional organ
This stirring anthem of praise uses scripture quotes from Romans 11 to provide framing for the venerable hymn text and Holst’s tune THAXTED from Jupiter. Congregational singing can be added on the hymn tune, and an optional organ part (available separately) can be used in addition to the piano.
Where Can I Go? by Molly Ijames, SATB with piano and optional flute
This beautifully refined setting of words from Psalm 139 is both soul-searching and deeply comforting: “I am known … where can I go, except to You, Lord.”
Be Thou My Vision arr. Benjamin David Knoedler, SATB with piano
The charmingly simple motif of the accompaniment unifies this compelling setting of the beloved Irish hymn. Elegant but not difficult, this satisfying anthem will find its way into your choral programming year after year.
Because He Lives arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
“Because He Lives” has become a standard Easter hymn for congregations the world over. Lloyd Larson has done a masterful job of bringing this hymn into the choral anthem format. Not just for Easter, it is a song of victory and promise and praise.
Come, Thou Almighty King arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional trumpet & handbells
Here is a creative and stately setting of the time-honored hymn featuring optional parts for solo trumpet and 3 octave handbells.
Forever Leaning on the Arms of Jesus by Stan Pethel, SA(T)B with piano and optional rhythm
Stan Pethel delivers this inspiring song of unwavering commitment and heartfelt praise. Written in a relaxed gospel style, this anthem is sure to uplift both your choir and congregation. The music is scored for either SAB or SATB, and optional rhythm section parts are also available.
The Longer I Serve Him arr. Jay Rouse, SATB with piano and optional string orchestra
Jay Rouse has taken one of the Gaither’s most popular songs, and Jay Rouse has taken one of the Gaithers’ most popular songs and combined it with the classic hymn, “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” and the results are breathtaking. Opening with an optional solo, the vocal writing moves from unison to rich four-part writing. The piano writing is soulful, beautifully conceived, and a delight to play. In addition, an orchestration for optional string orchestra is also available. “Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows. The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.”
Love Lifted Me by Sean Paul, SATB with piano
A well-known hymn text speaks through a fresh musical treatment in this evocative choral offering. A murmuring piano motive in minor introduces a testimony to God’s saving love, while the main theme suggests the spirit of a folk song or rustic sea shanty. As the anthem develops, the piano accompaniment expands, adding a theatrical sweep to the concept.
The Shelter of Salvation by Brad Nix, SATB with piano
This modern hymn, with words and music by Brad Nix, will soon become a favorite for your ensemble. Its thoughtfully crafted choral writing offers abundant opportunities for every section to embrace this simple yet profound melody. With each passing verse and chorus, the arrangement gracefully ascends to a rousing finish featuring a soaring countermelody and a rich piano accompaniment. Highly recommended!
Standing on the Promises arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with 4-hand piano
Larry Shackley’s creativity shines brightly in this extraordinary arrangement! This classic hymn, set to a rollicking four-hand piano accompaniment, features fun and engaging vocal writing that will invigorate both vocalists and congregation. The third verse, thoughtfully set in a reflective manner, provides a perfect contrast to the anthem’s overall liveliness.
Wayfaring Stranger arr. Craig Courtney, SATB with piano and optional cello, violin, or flute
This haunting and soulful treatment of the well-known American folk melody includes instrumental echoes of the spiritual Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child which adds further depth of expression. The choral writing is refined yet simple.
This Is My Song (A Song of Peace) arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional brass & percussion
Lloyd Larson has taken these beautiful lyrics, set to FINLANDIA, and offers us this stirring new arrangement. Serving as both a prayer for world peace and an offering of thanksgiving for our own country, this anthem will find a place in many services. The noble character of the music is reinforced by the addition of optional brass and percussion.
Keep Your Children by Marianne Forman, SATB with piano and optional violin
“God our Father, good and holy, keep your children safe from harm; send your guardian angels to them, shield them by your mighty arm.” This prayer for God’s protection can be sung by SATB choir with children’s choir or with adult solo. It is applicable both to children literally and to all of us as God’s children.
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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.