E’en
So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come - Paul Manz MSM-50-0001 Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July
2006 issue by Tim Dyksinski
After more than fifty years, this stunning anthem continues to be as fresh
and moving as it was when written in 1954. It’s hard to imagine a choral
director who does not know this work. If you don’t know this piece, get
a copy today! Those who have sung it with their choirs will want to own a copy
of the fiftieth anniversary edition. This truly remarkable composition is now
a classic in the choral repertoire. Very highly recommended!
There
Is a Balm in Gilead - arr. by Gerald Near AE140 Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July
2006 issue by Tim Dyksinski
This spiritual has gained popularity in the past few years in liturgical churches.
As always, the highly skilled Mr. Near has crafted music that enhances the
text and the original tune. The flowing organ accompaniment is sensitive and
evocative. The first two appearances of the refrain are set for sopranos alone;
the final refrain is for four-part mixed voices. The two verses are winningly
scored for sopranos singing the tune and text while the tenors sing the text
parallel to the tune but a third lower. Altos and tenors sing “Ah” during
these verses. This very fine setting, with an economy of notes to learn, is
a worthy alternative to the popular William Dawson setting.
Christ
Rising Again - K. Lee Scott MSM-50-4046A Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July
2006 issue by Tim Dyksinski This solid and exciting Easter composition is mostly unison singing with only
one SATB verse and a verse with a soprano descant. The text is from Romans
6:9-10. Your choir and congregation will welcome this vibrant setting. It will
have a very big effect with a minimum amount of work.
Christ
Is Risen! Alleluia! - Mark Shepperd MSM-50-4050 The Diapason “Music for Voices and Organ”, May
2006 issue by James McCray
This setting could be used on Easter with brass one year, then organ in the
post-Easter period the following year. It is fast and joyful. After an instrumental
introduction, the brass are primarily used in brief, energetic spurts of sound
between choral phrases, many of which are unaccompanied. With wide dynamic
contrasts and a big Alleluia ending, this setting will appeal to singers and
congregation. Highly recommended.
Hosanna!
- B. Wayne Bisbee MSM-50-3509 Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July 2006 issue by Tim Dyksinski
Twelve handbells and percussion accompany this lively setting of Palm Sunday processional music. Since this piece is intended to be sung in procession,
it may be repeated as often as needed. It is basically a unison antiphon with
a verse sung by lower voices while the sopranos sing a descant; a congregational
part is provided. Very easy.
Who
Is This? - John Ferguson MSM-50-6509 Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July
2006 issue by Tim Dyksinski
This is a stunning anthem that quotes the tunes associated with “O Sacred
Head” and “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.” The text
is by hymn writer Sylvia Dunstan. This composition could be sung in Advent
or at the beginning of Ordinary Time, and it is sure to enhance the prayer
of the community. Recommended.
The People's Psalter shows how to do psalms in worship in a new way, beyond "spoken half verse by half verse" and sung according to LBW/LW/ELW/LSB psalm tones, in addition to refrains like CW and HS98.
The Reformed have had an interesting history with hymns and church music, largely preferring metrical psalms to hymns early on, even after the great example of the chorales of Martin Luther.
Why do I like this collection? It brings a several musical worlds together.
Hopson has rewoven melodies from around the world (including American hymn tunes and Orthodox liturgical music) to give voice to psalm texts in various translations and metrical versions. That is the great idea behind this collection.
Many famous hymn melodies began as tunes for psalm paraphrases. Hopson reuses hymn tunes as psalm melodies. We have come full circle!
I may have preferred a different title for this resource, but The People's Psalter is true to its name in that the people are given something of substance that is durable, singable, and memorable. I especially remember Psalm 4, Psalm 9, Psalm 46 (my favorite in the collection), and Psalm 51 among many others.
Copyright permission is covered for purchasers. The enclosed CD-Rom makes bulletin inserts a snap.
A variety of instrumentation could be employed. I look forward to more resources like this from MorningStar!
The Psalter is the first hymnal of the Christian Church. And it should return to prominence among Christians of all traditions. LHP QBR will continue to seek out more resources on the Psalms to encourage faithful worship theology and practice Toward Concordia in Christ at Worship. by Rev. Paul J Cain
Rev. Paul J Cain is Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School, a member of the Board of Directors of The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education, Wyoming District Worship Chairman, and Editor of QBR. Liturgy, Hymnody, and Pulpit Quarterly Book Review. Used with Permission.
