Augsburg Fortress
0800677382, SATB with organ, $1.75
Date released: 2005

This is out of print with the publisher, but copies are available for purchase from J. W. Pepper online or Mark Hayes Productions by phone.

The text of this dynamic anthem for SATB voices and organ is based on the well-known Isaiah 40 passage that encourages us to “rise on wings as eagles and run and not grow weary, for our hope is in the Lord.” The first section features a spirited, moving melody mostly in unison with canonic effects. The contrasting middle section features 4-part harmony in a freer, reflective style, which then builds through an organ transition to a recapitulation of the first theme. The closing section features some open score polyphony and some divisi as the final phrase repeats “Our hope is in the Lord” and builds to a majestic finale. This anthem is suitable for general use throughout the year and will work best for a choir that can handle independent polyphonic phrases in each voice part and a higher tessitura.