O Sing Unto the Lord

This beloved choral anthem for SATB and piano has been sung in countless churches, universities and other venues across the country for almost four decades. Written by Dr. Diane White-Clayton (formerly Diane L. White), it is based on Psalm 96 verses1-4 beginning with a majestic opening and culminating with a quote from Handel's Hallelujah Chorus where the sopranos lead the choir in an exciting call-and-response declaration of "Forever and ever, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!" Like many of her classical choral works, it incorporates subtle elements of gospel music in certain harmonic progressions, in the afore-mentioned call-and-response, and in her signature "polyphonic vamp" led by the altos singing, "For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised." This is Diane's first anthem composed at the age of 19 while completing her sophomore year at Washington University in St. Louis. Written at the request of Joseph Price, it was premiered by his group, the Joseph Price Singers in St. Louis, Missouri. From its creation in1984 to the present, this anthem has continued to uplift and inspire choirs and audiences nationwide. (In 2023, Diane created a new Christmas version, "O Sing Unto the Lord-Christmas" where she added Children's Choir and bells with full orchestration for a special for Christmas concert in Curitiba, Brazil at the Teatro Positivo with almost 300 singers.)