Lifelong Coordinator

Mark Nabholz, Lifelong Coordinator

Three Sacred Anthems for Smaller Choirs

Tired of formulaic and uninspiring “manageable” anthems? Here are three that avoid predictable drudgery, but are still within the grasp of church choirs with 15-30 voices.

Title of piece: Fairest Lord Jesus

Voicing: SATB/piano

Season: General

Composer: Derek Hakes, arr. Craig Courtney

Publisher number: Beckenhorst BP1657

Description: A lovely new tune for a beloved hymn text, supported by a well-crafted pianistic accompaniment. The final verse soprano descant will be a delight to both your choir and congregation.

Listen: http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=8064422

Title of piece: Comfort, Comfort

Voicing: SATB/organ (or acappella)

Season: Advent

Composer: FREU DICH SEHR, arr. John Ferguson

Publisher number: Augsburg 0800646355

Description: This light and energetic setting of an old Calvinist “Genevan Jig” tune ushers in the Advent season with a dash of color that doesn’t overtax limited resources. A short ritornello between each verse can be played by C instruments or the keyboard.

Listen: https://youtu.be/Bbk1eagEjOw

Title of piece: Kyrie

Voicing: SAB/piano

Composer: Eric Unruh

Publisher number: Augsburg 080065708X

Description: This beautiful and accessible setting of the traditional Kyrie text rewards your choir’s modest investment with a tremendous return. An easy to learn anthem suitable for communion or Lenten use.

Listen: https://youtu.be/5McVMKlZoqw