Page 84 - UYMP Anthems for Sopranos, Altos and Unison Males Singers

80 UYMP Anthems for Sopranos, Altos and Unison Male Singers
Sadie Harrison: Praise him with the trumpet sounds!
The familiar joyous message of Psalm 150 lends itself to many events in the church calendar. Sadie Harrison’s setting is full of ‘onomatopoeic’ musical resonances,
such as the bell sounds of the opening, the bare octave and fifth at bar 15 imitating trumpet fanfares, the pipe-like passage in bars 38-39 and the clashed cymbals in bar 44. Make the most of these and relish the surprise ending. So much in this depends on the choir’s precision in ensemble and diction.
Patrick John Jones: Prayer (I)
One of George Herbert’s best-loved poems is here given a suitably peaceful and respectful setting by Patrick John Jones. Various subtle references in the poem allow this anthem to be used in various contexts. For example, the ‘church’s banquet’ suggests Holy Communion and ‘God’s breath...’ may echo Genesis and Adam’s creation and thus could be used at Advent. In this anthem the dynamic contrasts are critical, like the echo in bars 19-20 and the sudden crescendo in bar 23. Good intonation is vital so if it becomes a problem do not hesitate to use a soft organ or electronic keyboard accompaniment until it is absolutely secure.
Anne Boyd: Sing to the Lord
This dance-like setting of Psalm100 makes it suitable for any kind of celebratory occasion and could also take the place of the Jubilate Deo in a morning service. It is vital to give the music a strong two-in-a-bar feeling with the accompaniment played as lightly as possible while providing support for the choir. Practise the section from bar 29 to 37 and 48 to 59 without accompaniment as much as possible so that singers are secure and the parts are balanced.
David Lancaster: Song of Light
Two parallel verses – Isaiah 60:20 and John 1:5 – combine in this anthem, reflecting one of the universal messages of the Bible and especially the New Testament: the power of God and Christ to provide everlasting light and to conquer darkness. This message makes the anthem suitable for a variety of services and occasions in the church year. It is important to rehearse the flowing parts so that the leaps of a fifth are always in tune and secure. Though conceived for piano, the accompaniment can be effective on the organ with a judicious use of pedals.
Morag Galloway: We are not for names
The early English Quaker leader Edward Burrough (1634-63) suffered for his beliefs but was a foremost advocate for peace and religious tolerance. His 1659 poem gives Morag Galloway’s anthem a striking contemporary relevance and could be employed in many circumstances including, for example, Remembrance Day services or
other civic occasions. Clear enunciation is essential especially where the parts are imitative. The accompaniment will work equally well on piano or organ.
Notes by Leslie East