Editors' Choice Church Choral Music

Pairing the well-known anonymous affirmation of faith, "I believe in the sun even when it is not shining" with the scripture verse from Mark 9:24, this truly inspired anthem will move your listeners and

This energetic anthem will be the perfect service opener during the Thanksgiving season or any time of the year. Set in a buoyant 6/8, the endearing melody is quickly learned, and the idiomatic piano part

Taken from the best-selling choral work A Festival of Hymns, this anthem using the familiar tune MADRID will serve as the perfect call to worship to begin the fall season or any other time of

This quiet anthem of assurance pairs the artfully adapted text of Psalm 84 with a gentle contemporary melody. The well-crafted phrases incorporate a subtle meter change, giving the music a conversational

This anthem is a compelling invitation to love and to serve the church body. Featuring an exciting piano accompaniment as well as a part for optional cajon and guitar, your ensemble will be immediately

This joyful praise song features a singable melody with light syncopation. The middle section explores some minor tonality with optional harmony, alluding to Psalm 100. This section is followed by a

This popular modern hymn has been skillfully arranged for churches with blended worship. The scriptural text paints a picture of what God has done, inviting everything with breath to praise the Lord. The

This original melody is a lightly syncopated testimony of praise based on Psalm 57:9-10 that is memorable and simple to learn. This worshipful scripture song delves into God's love and faithfulness as well

This popular worship song by CityAlight has been expertly arranged with engaging harmonies and rhythms and an interesting piano accompaniment. The first verse is introduced by sopranos and altos, while the

This gently woven adaptation of Charles Gounod's Ave Maria and J.S. Bach's Prelude in C Major from the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier creates a lovely and serene anthem useful for

Originally conceived with full orchestra accompaniment, this glorious setting of LASST UNS ERFREUEN also works well with organ accompaniment. The choral texture varies by stanza and includes some choral

"Rejoice, o daughter of Zion!" Based upon Psalm 30:11 and Zephaniah 3:14-17, this original setting has a bit of a modern Celtic flavor with very tuneful, singable melodic lines. The joyful opening and

Written in dedication to those we have lost, this moving ballad opens quietly with piano and optional flute and cello, building slowly through a full, rich texture to a joyful acclamation of healing, hope,

Both inspiring and useful, this collection of three short pieces provides a valuable source of either quickly prepared short anthems or service music that can be used as introit, blessing, and benediction.

Love is the common thread in this refreshing pairing of original music and text with the traditional Come Down, O Love Divine text and the DOWN AMPNEY tune. Lilting syncopation, well-crafted

A dramatic poetic text inspired by a third-century Egyptian hermit is the inspiration for this choral setting that displays flowing melodies, luscious harmonies, and vibrant piano accompaniment. With a

This festive arrangement of KREMSER can be accompanied by organ alone or with the addition of brass quartet and timpani. Verses 1 and 3 feature choir and congregation, while verse 2 is for choir only, with

Commonly used as symbolism in Christian texts, river imagery inspired this pairing of It is Well (When Peace Like a River) and Shall We Gather at the River. Together they combine to

Based on the original hymn tune COLBERT, this exciting gospel hymn concertato opens and closes with call and response between soloist and choir singing "I believe." In the center, the congregation joins in

Bullard's graceful original melody, paired with the traditional hymn text, flows nicely through five verses accompanied by organ. Verse one is sung by unison women's voices (optional solo), and verse two by

John Donne's sonnet Death, Be Not Proud is paraphrased and set as a concertato on the original tune SUSAN BETH with organ accompaniment. The middle verse is a cappella, and a descant crowns the

Using themes of forgiveness and peace, this song is ideal for Lent and reconciliation services or where a time of reflection is desired. It begins in unison and adds harmony on each verse, culminating in

This short refrain was written either as a dismissal of the children from the service or when children are the focus of the service. Its cheerful, upbeat nature will be appealing to children, and its

Useful as an anthem or short communion meditation, this setting of the familiar text offers several performance options. Sung alone, the anthem is less than a minute in length. The addition of organ, piano