• Instrumentation: Cantor, Congregation, SAB, Organ, opt. Trumpet

• Duration: 4:21'

• Text: Psalm 96: 1-2, 6-9, 11-13, The Book of Common Prayer (Episcopal)

• Suitable for choirs of all levels 

• Appropriate for worship

Program Note

Completed December 11, 2011 in Sandwich, New Hampshire.  Commissioned by Patrick Pope, Director of Music at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter in Charlotte, North Carolina.  This piece is an expansive declaration of Psalm 96, which is stately but not bombastic. The trumpet part is of the elegant, restrained variety; the voices engage in a deceptively complex, three-part counterpoint; the congregation is encouraged to sing the recurring antiphon. 

Reviewed in the Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians: 

This congregational setting of Psalm 96 is very interesting and quite challenging for choirs and congregations. An advanced harmonic language is introduced from the beginning measures of the organ part, yet the diatonic congregation refrain is quite simple to follow. The solo trumpet helps introduce the refrain melody, and then it provides interesting counterpoint to choral passages. The music is tuneful and attractive...this fine psalm setting could win a wide audience.