Beckenhorst Press
BP1750, SATB, $2.50

This stately hymn, a favorite of musicians the world over, finds new life with Mark Hayes’ creative writing. The beginning brass and choral fanfare gives way to a unison first stanza. The women are featured in harmony in the second stanza, followed by an a cappella verse in SATB voicing. The men sing the next verse a full step higher. After a dynamic instrumental interlude, the final verse gives full voice to the last phrase, “And may God give us faith to sing always, ‘Alleluia!'” The congregation may sing on the final stanza. The brilliant piano accompaniment and powerful brass and percussion parts will make this anthem truly “preach.”