Review
"This is Isaac Watt's paraphrase of Psalm 117 set to the early-American hymn tune SCHENECTADY--and a welcome relief from OLD 100TH. It is a bright, ebullient festival setting that pits the brass against the voices and will make a stunning festival piece." -The American Organist, March 2011

Description
The rugged early-American folk hymn SCHENECTADY is given a joyful setting by Fedak in this festive anthem for choir with organ and optional brass quartet. The vigorous character of the tune is a superb match for the familiar Isaac Watts text based on Psalm 117. This would be a partiularly fine choice for a festival service/choral festival as it is easy to learn and incorporates the brass in dramatic dialogue with the singers. It is reminiscent of Alice Parker's popular arrangements of early American folk hymns.

Text
From all that dwell below the skies,
let the Creator's praise arise.
Let the Redeemer's name be sung,
through every land by every tongue.

Eternal are thy mercies Lord;
eternal truth attends thy word.
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore,
till suns shall rise and set no more.

I'll sing thy truth and mercy, Lord,
I'll sing the wonders of thy word.
Not all thy works and names below
so much thy power and glory show.

To God I cried when troubles rose:
He heard me and subdued my foes.
He did my rising fears control,
and strength diffused through all my soul.

With all my powers of heart and tongue
I'll praise my Maker in my song
Angels shall hear the notes I raise,
approve the song and join the praise.

--Psalm 117, 138; para. Issac Watts, 1719