Music in Worship

Music in Worship

Written by David Stertzbach Music Pastor, Tri-City Baptist Church

“Now Glad of Heart” Text from Christlichs Gesangbuechlein, 1568 Music by Keaton Lee Scott SATB, organ, brass Hinshaw Music HMC-568 Looking for something different for Easter? This ancient text (translated into English by A.H. Fox-Strangways) is punctuated by “alleluias” and set to music that sounds like a Medieval carol. With part divisi, mixed meters throughout, and a higher tessitura, this song is probably best for larger groups with experienced singers. Particularly enjoyable for the singers are the cascading “alleluias” before and after the final stanza. (Also, a perfect reinforcement of the vocal sigh often used in warmups!) The song climaxes dynamically on the final stanza before fading to a pianississimo ending. “Now glad of heart be every one!” The fight is fought, the day is won, The Christ is set upon His throne, Sing alle, alleluia!”

“Alleluia” Traditional, adpt. and arr. John Coats 2-part (mixed, SA, or TB), piano Harold Flammer, E-5190 Based on a traditional melody, this unique setting can be used in a number of ways. It can be sung as a two-part or two-part mixed choir setting. With part 2 always singing the melody and part 1 always singing a countermelody, it would be easy to divide the choir into two equal parts. (The last stanza and coda will require some attention.) Or the congregation could sing the melody and the choir could sing the countermelody. The text is repetitive and easily adaptable as well. Any foursyllable phrase could be used.

“Great Day” Traditional Spiritual, arr. Doug Denisen 2-part mixed, piano Kjos Music Press, 6332 Delightful, simple setting of the spiritual, this stately march can be used for festival occasions or on ordinary Sundays. Because the setting is so straightforward, it would provide a wonderful opportunity to teach healthy forte singing and diction principles. In the first section the refrain is in unison and the stanzas are in a call and response style. The final chorus is a two-part canon—easily taught, easily sung. “Who Paints the Night?” Mark Patterson SATB, piano Boosey & Hawkes (Hal Leonard), 48023053 Do you have some people in your church choir who know the joys of singing in a college choir or a good high school choir? They remember “all the feels” of an Eric Whitacre color chord? Both the text and the music will be challenging and inspiring for the church choir. But this piece from the “Building Bridges” series of the Choral Music Experience is doable! From the printed program notes: “The piece begins with an ethereal choral introduction, followed by a brief solo. The SATB texture in the main potion of the piece is appropriate for developing voices and uses a combination of traditional harmonies and approachable cluster chords to create a beautifully artistic musical offering.” “Who lights the moon? Who paints the shadows in the night sky? Who flings the stars and fills each corner with a burst of light? Who could dream such wonders? Who holds the brush? Who paints the night?”