'O Jesus, Grant Me Hope and Comfort' is a 17th Century composition by Johann Wolfgang Franck, whose compositions have enjoyed great popularity due to their pure melodies and the warm faith expressed in their text. A Choral Motet by Hugo Distler, 'Praise to the Lord' is based on the melody by Stralsund Gesangbuch, from Distler's Opus 6, No. 2. The beautiful melodies in each of the 4 parts create a beautiful dissonance that is magical to the ears. David A. Gerig's original composition, 'Shout to God' starts out unison, but soon breaks into 2-part cannon, then the voices join for beautiful 4-part harmony. Tschesnokoff's 'Let Thy Holy Presence' is beautifully arranged by Walter Ehret. All 4 parts divisi at one time or another, making this a challenging, but fun, sacred tune. Carolina Sandell Berg's Swedish folk tune , 'Children of the Heavenly Father,' is beautifully arranged for 4-part mixed voices by Paul Christiansen. Stanley Glarum's 'Sing Praises' is a thrilling exhortation to all the people of the earth to revere God and sing His praises. The echo effects should brought out as though the people were responding to the bidding the psalmist. The anthem is suitable for Thanksgiving or general services |
