Beckenhorst Press
BP1525, SATB with organ acc. and solo oboe, $2.50
Date released: 1998

Set in a lyrical, through-composed form, this composition by Hayes wonderfully highlights the poetic setting of Psalm 23 by George Herbert. This anthem, worthy of any fine church or college chorale, is scored for SATB voices with organ accompaniment and oboe obbligato. A fuller chamber orchestration is also available. The original theme in 3/4 time is reminiscent of an English hymn tune, giving way to freely-composed sections in minor modes, leading to a glorious antiphonal section with high arching lines. The anthem returns to the final statement of the original theme before concluding softly with the final phrase, “Surely Thy sweet and wondrous love shall measure all my days; And as it never shall remove, so neither shall my praise.”