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Composer Sarah MacDonald
Text Anonymous, 1800
Voicing SATB, organ, opt. cong.
Price $2.25 (U.S.)
Length 3' 00" Released 1/2020
Catalog no. 410-654
Difficulty Mod. easy
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Min. of 5
Description
This anonymous 19th century text (best known from Ned Rorem's classic motet) receives a flowing and lyrical accompanied setting by Sarah MacDonald based on one of her own hymn tunes. Various performance options are provided including inner verses either unaccompanied or not, and a part for congregation to join in the final verse. An easy anthem with a memorable character.
Anthem text
Sing, my soul, his wondrous love,
who, from yon bright throne above,
ever watchful o’er our race,
still extends to us his grace.
Heaven and earth by him were made;
all is by his scepter swayed;
what are we that he should show
so much love to us below?
God, the merciful and good,
bought us with the Savior’s blood,
and, to make salvation sure,
guides us by his Spirit pure.
Sing, my soul, adore his Name!
Let his glory be thy theme:
praise him till he calls thee home;
trust his love for all to come.
--Anonymous, 1800
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Review
"MacDonald's hymn tune NELSON is the basis for this traditionally cast hymn anthem. Unison voices sing verse one, the choir sings verses two and three to the same four-part harmonization with the option of singing unaccompanied, and lower voices with optional congregation sing the fourth verse with soprano descant. The tune itself is expansive, with wide leaps and broad gestures. The harmonization for the inner verses contains some typical chromatic alterations for tonicizing the mediant, and beyond that is fully diatonic. The music could be learned in a rehearsal or two by most choirs, and it does not require large forces from either ensemble or accompanying organ. This general use anthem is an effective contrast to Ned Rorem’s familiar setting and to the tune ST. BEES as found in The Hymnal 1982. It would serve well in various 'green' seasons of the year and be a handy back-up for choirs to have in their library for times when a piece is required on short notice." -AAM Journal, March 2020 |
