James Koerts provides us with a contemplative musical commentary on a classic hymn text in his latest creation. His expressive melody cradles this moving portrait of the cross while rich harmonies provide an appropriate tonalbackdrop for the presentation of this important reflection of faith. Take note of the accessible part-writing and the limited vocal ranges that will ease learning time as you prepare for those early Lenten services. Beautiful!

Selected for the David Dickau Signature Series this love song opens with touches of counterpoint this English folk song before moving into the familiar refrain. The balance of accompaniment and a cappella moments make this anexcellent work for developing balance and blend.

Contrasting moods depict the mix of emotions involved in wanting and waiting. Deep longing a sense of hopelessness and despair. These are the feelings expressed in the opening of this beautiful Advent anthem. The pulse quickenswith the tempo as the urgency for Christ's coming increases – Hasten the Day of Christ. John Parker's poetry and Lee Dengler's gorgeous music set the stage for a meaningful moving worship experience.

This exquisite and poignant Good Friday anthem is Mark Hayes at his best! The music is the perfect setting for John Parker's moving text while the blending of the Kyrie Eleison text is inspired. Add the optional oboe obbligato for a wonderful moment of reverent awe.

A familiar melody and a powerful text join to make this Tom Fettke arrangement a new favorite. Behold the Risen Lamb is a wonderful anthem of prayer and praise reflecting the awesome wonder at Christ's sacrifice andresurrection and expressing gratitude for the gift of life everlasting. “One with my Lord I cannot die. My soul is purchased by His blood; my life is safe with Christ on high...” Very moving for Lent Easter orcommunion services.

If Mendelssohn's How Lovely Are The Messengers is a bit outside the reach of your choir try Carl Nygard's moving setting of texts from Romans and Psalm 119.

Pepper Choplin contends earnestly with the tragedy of war and the lope for a lasting peace in this thought-provoking anthem. This is an appropriate piece for our troubled times yet a touching tribute to the men and women whodedicate themselves to the service of freedom. Moving!

Les Chansons des Roses-In addition to his vast output of German poetry Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) composed nearly 400 poems in French. His poems on roses struck me as especially charming filled with gorgeous lyricism deftly crafted and elegant intheir imagery. These exquisite poems are primarily light joyous and playful and the musical settings are designed to enhance these characteristics and capture the delicate beauty and sensuousness of the poetry. Distinct melodicand harmonic materials recur throughout the cycle especially between Rilke's poignant “Contre qui rose” (set as a wistful nocturne) and his moving “La rose complète.” The final piece “Dirait-on ” is composed as a tuneful chanson populaire or folksong that weaves together two melodic ideas first heard in fragmentary form in preceding movements.--Morten Lauridsen

This beautiful and moving Hebrew prayer is one of the most beautiful in all of Jewish litanies. As we sing we ask God to treat us with charity and kindliness and save us!. This arrangement is lush and highlights the beautiful message.

Written by Kenny Loggins when he was still in high school and re-introduced and re-imagined several times in the years that followed. This beautiful lullaby speaks to both moving on and at the same time staying in place. A beautiful ballad for your concert choir.

With a beautiful Pentecost text from Chris Anderson Richard Nichols has given us a gentle and moving hymn-styled anthem. A simple solo voice introduces the first essence of the Holy Spirit while the choir provides a warm accompaniment. Each verse commences with more attributes of the Holy Spirit each verse growing in voices and strength. The closing statement returns softly to the solo voice and supporting choir. Medium in difficulty.

This anthem may begin gently and humbly but the sorrow soon gives way to joy. The verses and chorus are wonderfully melodic with a moving piano accompaniment. The poem presents the emptiness of being alone and the security of being found in the arms of Jesus. Easy to medium for church choirs non-seasonal.

You Are My Peace. Expressive musical phrasing provides an intimate look at our relationship with the Prince of Peace. A heartfelt text, The deepest peace I've ever known is resting in Your care weaves its way into the soul with the sacred promise pertaining to the walk of faith. Unison writing provides clarity while fuller and richer harmonic moments produce power and intensity as the text develops. Quieter chords surround the listener as the anthem winds down to a quiescent closure. Moving!

Full of colorful and expressive harmonies your choir will find deep beauty in this setting of a treasured spiritual. This moving testament of hope is supported beautifully by the piano accompaniment or use the optional Percussion and String Quintet for a truly special presentation. Highly recommended! Score and Parts (perc 1-2 vn 1-2 va vc db) available as a digital download.

Uses: Communion Easter Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-6; I John 1:5-9 This stunning song from Gateway Worship is a heartfelt declaration of the victory we have in the shed blood of Christ. Equally fitting for both Easter and Communion Heather Sorenson's arrangement is deeply moving and will minister to both singers and listeners. Score and parts (perc timp rhythm vn 1-2 va vc db) available as a digital download.