Allan Robert Petker : The Circle

The Circle is a composition sensitive to the needs of a world growing ever more aware of social justice. Its text is based on the words of American poet Edwin Markham - He drew a circle that shut me out ... but love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in! The piece was notably performed by Tonality, an ensemble conducted by self-proclaimed music activist Alexander Lloyd Blake. Their award-winning rendition brought renewed attention to the piece's inclusive message and compelling musical setting.

This choral piece uses canons to create a showcase for choirs that is absolutely irresistible! The captivating melody dances in your imagination until you can't help but sing along!

Living in the moment is a mantra and goal that is as easily forgotten as it is to pursue. The poem in this motet proclaims its value in colorful ways. Each verse is followed by a Latin phrase that coalesces the thoughts in flowing counterpoint. The middle section plays with the words from which the piece gets its title. This is a lovely and thoughtful piece for high school, college and community choir concerts.

Although the words come from the 19th century there is no question the music is of today. The opening tonal clusters from the choir, accompanied by a rolling line and steady harmony in the piano, create a mood of mystery. Praise rings forth exuberantly in salute of God's command of life and death, however the music stays well-grounded in reality, and the newness is engaging. An excellent church anthem, general song of praise, All Saints day, or concert. Medium difficulty.

This beautiful piece uses the classic text from Numbers and is excerpted from the closing section from a three-movement work for choir and chamber orchestra entitled Touch. Based on the paintings of Chinese artist He Qi it will be a wonderful benediction for high school and up.

Country: China

Here is a rebel piece of music that combines traditional sacred music with praise music. Beginning with the organ and a stately choir the text from II Chronicles 7:15-16 honors when God is with us in our sacred space. A praise band feel takes over and introduces a simple song (sung by children or praise singers). Next thing you know the choir and organ bring in two traditional hymns (Come Thou Fount and Joyful, Joyful) that all fit together. God is truly in this house for all people of all musical styles.

Beginning with an unassuming quietness, this Psalm setting has drive! Twice the chorus is interrupted with a serene contrast befitting the remaining scripture text, but each time the response rallies greater than before.

It is the text that deserves your attention first. The Benedictine Blessing stands as a unique approach in its prayer requests. The musical setting was lauded by the lyricist, and brings a further poignant depth to the supplication. A worthy offering in concert and worship.

Exuberance and joy fill this work and its dramatic call to praise. A triumphant nuematic alleluia melody alternates between the voices giving the song a thorough and continuous theme of praise. Available separately: SATB, SAB, Brass Parts.

Colossians 3:16 is one of the great scripture passages that calls us to sing. Petker's melodic choice is a beguiling motif that moves from an accompanimental figure into a sung statement. Taken from the third movement of Petker's Te Deum to Music the middle section rises steadily in joyous praise to God.

Light, playful love song, easy to learn. It has a magical quality that stays with both singer and audience. Difficulty Level: Medium Easy Middle School, High School or Easy Adult.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen receives an audacious overhaul in this enjoyable, new treatment. Some surprising syncopations and delightful detours open up into glorious sounds and vivacious fun. A great choice for church and school choirs!

Sometimes all you need is a title to get your attention. This is one sweet tune, with a clever word game in every phrase. Originally from an entire sweet of clever word songs for SATB, this voicing works for almost any group. Available: 2-Part.

Want to add a surprising sizzle to your worship? These hymn-tags will do that. Just when the congregation expects to sing the plagal amen, instead the choir breaks forth into a thrilling conclusion that wows them. Volume 3 includes such hymns as A Mighty Fortress, Crown Him... When in Our Music... Joyful, Joyful and more. All 3 volumes are worth checking out! Easy to Medium.

Composer: Christian Bateman

Based on the text from Zephaniah 3:17, this piece celebrates God's rejoicing over us. Movement one from Te Deum to Music for choir and orchestra, this piece opens in reverent awareness of God's presence and turns to a joyful, American-flavored country dance.

This new setting of Psalm 121 from distinguished composer, Allan Robert Petker deserves your attention. Both the melody and the harmonic flow leads you through mountains and hills in comfort, strength and peace.

Designed and commissioned as a concert opening piece, I Will Sing, demands attention and drafts even the most reserved into singing. Available with optional brass (2 tpts, 2 tbns) and percussion, the accompaniment is crisp and rhythmic. The choral sentences are exuberant and driving and soon break into canon. A soft and reflective middle section exalts the oneness of God before a return to the opening fanfare. Ending with strength and excitement, it is great for festival and general use.

From Psalm 27 comes a message of faith and hope. The musical writing is a bit challenging but well worth the effort. The flute adds a tremendous dimension, not typical of obbligatos. A classical fugal-type middle section is rhythmic and festive. The concluding lines of praise are dynamically fulfilling. Available: SATB, Flute Part.

Pavane by Gabriel Faure contains one of the most luxurious and haunting melodies. With a stirring text by Rev. Russell Kane, Allan Petker cultivated a choral setting that has been popular for years. This new edition is set for 2-part mixed voices with keyboard and optional obbligato. For Lent, Communion or general use.

This anthem begins softly and sounds almost like a benediction. But the psalmist's emphasis was on praise, and the music opens to a rousing center section. Returning to the opening motif, the music ends in a warm and glorious alleluia, amen.

The text from Nehemiah 8:10 and Isaiah 43:1-3 expresses joy through helping those who are less fortunate. The opening melody carries this message with delicate ease, then moves into a brief choral statement of how precious we are to God. Excellent for general praise, thanksgiving and mission themes.

Incorporating the hymn, God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand, this anthem for choir, piano and optional trumpet celebrates God's love for us and our calling to share the good news. Commissioned for the dedication of a new church sanctuary, this piece begins softly and builds to a joyful conclusion.

Based on Cor. 13, Allan Petker has developed a new text and tune that is simple and profound. The memorable melody delicately flows in support of the text and eventually concluding in a most satisfying ending.

With a rollicking 6/8 and 4/4, back and forth, rhythm, this piece dances from the start. Based on Psalm 57:7-10 and Psalm 84:4-7, the text is a song of praise. A contrasting middle section is much slower and more tender. The final section returns to the opening motif and drives to a thrilling conclusion. Easy to medium for church choirs.

This anthem that combines Jesus Loves Me and O Love That Will NOt Let Me Go was first released last year for SATB. Now in 2-part Mixed with an optional obbligato, it is even stronger than the year before. Part of the American Classics Series, this is a marvelous anthem for almost any time.

Composer: Bradbury and Peace

Think of the power that one song can have. One song can gather a nation or unite lovers, and so forth. Distinguished composer, Allan Robert Petker gives us a joyful, bouncing melody that explores the power of a song and celebrates it. For high school and festival use.

The text is the familiar Dona Nobis Pacem (grant us peace), and the melody is a gentle cascading tune that is developed with ease. In the middle of the song is the most spectacular thing: an aleatoric rendering of the text in numerous languages that make the message even more profound. The performance possibilities are endless with ideas for choreography and sign language to heighten it further. Simple and yet meaningful, great for high school, churches, community choirs, and easy to medium in difficulty.

Composer: Hyun Kook

The accompaniment statement instantly grabs you as this powerfully fun advent hymn begins. The harmonies twist and turn with an air of eagerness that depicts the advent of Christ's birth. Excellent for youth or adult choirs. Available: SATB, SAB.

Composer: Frans Mikael Franzen

This new spiritual became a fast favorite when the SAB edition was released several years ago. Can it be - the SATB voicing is even hotter? This will be great for church or school. Available: SATB, SAB.

Composer: Todd Jolly

The keyboard is bright and festive and choral lines joyful and invigorating. A simple canon for the voices make it a quick study while the keyboard part dances spritely below. An energetic anthem for church or concert programming.

Uses: Praise Scripture: Psalm 150 Power, strength and majesty are the words that best describe this setting of Psalm 150. Written for organ and optional brass, the opening builds to the choir's entry. A unison choral statement ensues that is noble and direct. Following a softer middle section, the piece returns to the opening material to a glorious conclusion.

Commissioned by the Northern Light United Church in Alaska, this stirring piece lives up to its name. A brilliant fanfare sets the stage for this illuminating anthem. Brass and percussion parts available.

Based on the story of Jesus calming the seas from Luke 8, this anthem musically paints the storms and struggles that can toss our lives about. With the message of faith being central, the music and text also provide encouragement and strength.

Rarely has a new setting of such a time honored text been so refreshing. Including the Tallis Canon (with a new text), this anthem brings elegance and depth to profound poetry.

This has been a classic SATBB choral anthem for 150 years. This new edition weaves the vocal parts into SATB and makes a long-time favorite available for choirs today.

Composer: Samuel Wesley

Thula Baba is an African lullaby from the Zulu tribe that is a well-known melody through the continent. This a cappella arrangement maintains the gentle qualities of a mother's song to her child while building in interest and harmony. The solo line can be sung by a single voice or a children's choir. Effective as a soft concert closer or ethnic offering for high school, community or college choirs. Medium in difficulty.

Country: Zulu

Based on John 17:20-24, this commissioned anthem celebrates God's love for us and honors both a choir director and organist. A captivating melody, this anthem explains how our understanding of God's love for us enables us to live more fully as well. Organists and choirs will find this an excellent anthem of praise.

The Psalms have inspired a text of praise, and a few choice alternate words proclaim the victory of Easter. Originally set for 2-part, this anthem has been a festival favorite for years. The SATB setting seems even more appropriate. Excellent for Easter and festival days. Available: SATB, 2-Part, Trumpet Parts.

This famous work by Rachmaninoff is known for its beautiful, wandering melody over a luscious chamaeleon-like harmonic foundation. In this arrangement, the accompaniment has been simplified somewhat and a second vocal line added to complement the primary theme. An excellent introduction to the Romantic era!

English hymn text writer, Bryan Jeffery Leech, took the primary theme from Johannes Brahms' 1st Symphony, 4th movement and wrote lyrics which have become a hymn standard. We Are God's People is a majestic statement befitting Brahm's regal theme. Allan Robert Petker has created an anthem setting and has intertwined many of the other themes that Brahms utilized in his 1st symphony.

We Are the Music Makers by British poet Arthur O'Shaughnessy is one of the most moving poetic texts found in this oeuvre. Set to music by a number of composers, American composer and conductor Allan Petker provides us with a marvelous setting for SATB mixed voices with piano. This piece will be quite popular with high school voices but would also find a home with college/university or community choruses. Try it for American Music Month, for a commencement exercise, or grouped with other pieces by British composers.