Lifelong Coordinator

Dr. Mark Nabholz, Lifelong Coordinator

Three Psalms for Church Choirs or Civic Choruses

Psalm 42, Op. 42 “Like As the Hart” (German or English text)

Soprano solo, SATB Choir, orchestra or organ

Felix Mendelssohn

Bärenreiter, ed. John Michael Cooper, 2014.

Mendelssohn (1809-1847) set nineteen Psalms to music during his brief career, and had 

a deep, personal connection to these ancient texts. This particular setting celebrates its 

180th anniversary this year, written in the spring of 1837 while he and his wife were on their honeymoon. Mendelssohn himself considered it to be his very best sacred composition, which is all the more impressive considering that he had just completed his oratorio, St. Paul  the year before. As with all of Mendelssohn’s music, you will find it inventive, gracious to the voice, and beautifully crafted. Well suited to developed community chorus or capable church choir. Duration: +-25 minutes.

Preview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0saNS3yLF0

The Lord is My Light and My Salvation (Psalm 27)

SATB (some divisi)

John Rutter

Hinshaw HMC1064

One of his most well-crafted anthems, John Rutter’s setting of Psalm 27 features inspiring vocal writing and a solo clarinet part that adds expressive, musical depth to the text. While this piece presents some challenges to an average church choir (your men must be capable of a well-blended unison), it is well worth the effort required. Duration: +-7 minutes.

Preview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaLtZNpmYGg

Psalm of Ascension

SATB (divisi)

Dan Forrest

Self-published. Available by direct order from the composer at www.danforrest.com.) 

This setting of texts excerpted from Psalm 124 and 126, for SATB divisi chorus and orchestra, was premiered by the Phoenix Symphony Chorus last spring.  A TTBB opening chorale leads into a fughetta section for the full chorus. Eventually both ideas combine to create an exalting fusion that will serve for many years as a festive concert closer. The accompaniment is orchestral (no keyboard reduction is provided) with two options: full orchestra or small orchestra with organ. Duration: +-6 minutes.

Preview here: http://danforrest.com/music-catalog/psalm-of-ascension/