Lindsborg Press
797242195495, SATB, $1.75
Date released: 2002

Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians – to be unified in our love for God and to encourage each other by the singing of hymns – is set beautifully in this original work by Mark Hayes. He expertly sets the text using a good balance of unison singing with 4- to 6-part divisi in lush harmony. Two distinctly different sections in meter and tonality are surrounded by the refrain that urges us “to sing out psalms and hymns.” The second appearance of the refrain is the dynamic climax of the piece as the melody is accompanied by contrapuntal parts in other voices. The ending is a prayer, introspective and beautifully harmonized. Metrically interesting because of changes from 4/4 to 3/4, the meters perfectly mirror the natural rhythm of the text and keep a flowing feeling throughout. The accompaniment also contributes to the flowing nature, playing more than just a supporting role to the vocal parts. Very accessible to any good adult choir and useful in almost any type of service – a must have for your library!

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