Blessed Assurance

"Blessed Assurance" arranged by Nancy Wertsch is an epic arrangement in gospel style for choir, with a stellar soprano solo reaching up to high D flat, and piano & organ accompanying together. This arrangement puts into music notation a style that is typically improvised, making it possible for choirs everywhere to perform in a rousing gospel style, sure to inspire excitement in your congregation or audience and bring them to their feet. Ideal for celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and for choral festivals. "Blessed Assurance" was commissioned and premiered in 1985 by the Riverside Church, NYC, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was broadcast nationally the following year during the inaugural celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday at Dr. King's own Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, conducted by Dr. Wendell Whalum. It has since become standard repertoire for that holiday. Note: this is different from the a cappella arrangement published by Oxford University Press, also by Nancy Wertsch.