Choral directors


syncopated, but usually chordal, mov- ing freely between unison and parts. Th is is a good choice for the Sunday with little rehearsal time. RM


Sing to the Lord, Robert Choral Psalm 100, Sarah Dawson, Neil


A. Kjos Music Company 9159, 2016, SATB and piano. Alternating phrases of rhythmic


and legato music, this joyful song of praise is a good choice for any time of celebration, including confi rmation or Mother’s Day, or even the fi rst day of summer vacation. It is easy because all parts sing the same rhythms and word placements; it is a challenge in the alternation of articulations between smooth phrases and what feels and sounds like syncopations – but that is what makes it interesting for the con- gregation to hear. RM


Wondrous Love, Frank Pesci,


ECS Publishing 8004, 2016, SATB and organ.


Mixing a somewhat fl orid organ


part, William Walker’s traditional tune, and easy part writing, Pesci has put forth an engaging arrangement of this standard melody. Th ere is much unison writing, a two-part verse with the counter-melody in the soprano and tenor, and just two phrases of simple 4-part writing. Th e instru- mental part is defi nitely for organ, requiring at least modest skills of the organist. Although this recommenda- tion is for use aft er Easter, the text has many uses during the church year or for a variety of themes, so the piece is a good value purchase. RM


As a Tree, Mark Sirett, Augsburg


Fortress 978-1-5064-1381-5, 2016, SATB unaccompanied. Late spring is a time for life


__________________________________________________________________________________________________ January-February 2018 • WorshipArts • www.UMFellowship.org


Psalm 150, Peter Anglea,


Beckenhorst Press BP2041, 2014, SATB and piano. Th ose who are looking for a


and new growth, even for trees fi rmly planted by streams of living water. Michael Morris’s meditation on Psalm 1 pictures its familiar tree in images of a Tree of Wisdom, of Justice, of Plenty and of Promise deeply rooted in God’s will for our lives, yet ever-changing as we grow into the fullness of its prom- ise. Sirett’s setting captures this ten-


song from Scripture in a contempo- rary vein can fi nd it here. Psalm 150 is a vigorous song of praise for all the right reasons and with all the resourc- es at our disposal, here combined with a spirited accompaniment. Th is setting conveys a sense of urgency without being rushed, an eagerness to be worshiping. Th e music is mildly


choir to learn based on Psalm 47 that can become as festive as you want by adding the fl utes and violins. Th ere are three verses that can be sung by unison voice parts (each verse can be sung by a diff erent voice part or a soloist) followed by an ostinato re- frain. Th e refrain can also involve the congregation by reproducing it in the bulletin and/or slides with permission. Th e guitar chords are in the printed anthem so no further permission is required if the anthem is purchased for the choir and you have a guitarist available in your church. RA


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sion by presenting the text in almost, but not quite, homophony – it shift s just slightly in one part or another. In every measure, however, his tune radiates the calm confi dence of the poetry. Th e music is not diffi cult, but tuning the unaccompanied piece can be tricky. Th e other major challenge is diction – projecting the non-standard text overtop the counterpoint that can easily obscure it. Th e anthem is not for the timid choir, but well worth the eff ort for the medium or large group that is experienced in lyrical unac- companied singing. RM


Th is Is My Father’s World, arr.


Elaine Hagenberg, Hinshaw Music HMC2494, 2016, SATB with piano and violin. Th is arrangement of the beloved


hymn has two distinctive features that make it both memorable and delight- ful. First, the virtuosic violin part, which is required, not optional, is like the halo in an icon; it is part of the es- sential character of the piece without vying for the starring role. Second, the composing is impressive in its ever- increasing complexity. It calls for a choir that can sing melodies seam- lessly and counterpoint eff ectively, independent of the other parts and accompaniment, always keeping the tune to the fore. Here is a piece that is sure to please both the musicians and the listeners on any occasion celebrat- ing the earth and its creation. RM


Lehman, Paraclete Press PPM01630, 2016, SATB and organ. Th is anthem will, for most


church choirs, challenge and thrill the singers and elevate the thoughts of the listeners. Th e challenges that cause it to be listed as “diffi cult” are the inde- pendent organ part, the fast pace, and the mixed meters. Th is is an excellent choice for the experienced choir and organist, or a major growing piece for the more modest ensemble. It is use- ful for festival occasions or for major Sunday services. RM


O Clap Your Hands, Robert


Lau, Hinshaw Music HMC2468, 2016, SATB and organ with optional brass septet and timpani (HMC2468A). Th is anthem would be appropri-


ate for a celebration service such as Ascension Sunday, Palm Sunday or Christ the King. While the brass sep- tet is optional, it certainly adds greatly to the eff ectiveness of the piece. Since the choir sings chordally, and not too fast, throughout, this would be an excellent piece for those groups who want to take a fi rst foray into the world of mixed meters. RM


All Peoples, Clap Your Hands,


Chris de Silva, GIA Publications G-9502, 2017, two-part mixed with keyboard and optional guitar. Option- al parts available for two fl utes and two violins (G-9502INST). Th is is an easy anthem for the


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