Holy Week and Easter
Blessed Is He - Glorysound This Palm Sunday anthem first appeared in ONCE UPON A TREE.
Canta Hosanna – Shawnee / Hal Leonard #35026702 view Accomp CD and rhythm parts avail.
Christ Lives On - Monarch 10/3229M view
Day to Sing Hosanna - Lorenz 10/5115L view music. A ¾ time piece with stomps and handclaps, it has a cool swaying motion. I think it’s best to clap on beats 2 AND 3 after the singing begins.
Do This and Remember Me - Glorysound This first appeared in ONCE UPON A TREE. Approaches the Lord’s Supper as Jesus’ farewell to his disciples.
Easter Morning, Easter Day – Hal Leonard
Father, Forgive Them - Shawnee A 7082 See the Music From my bestselling Once Upon a Tree.
Father, Forgive Them – Beckenhorst preview A thoughtful, meditative, yet intense consideration of Christ’s plea from the cross. Perfect for Good Friday. As I wrote it, I also reflected on some of the cruel things humanity has done without realizing the evil of their deeds.
Guilty of Innocence - Hal Leonard 35008629 This first appeared in ONCE UPON A TREE.
He Is Alive! Lorenz 10/4999L view music Full of joyous, driving energy and perfect for Easter morning worship, this anthem by Pepper Choplin powerfully celebrates the resurrection. The syncopated melody is well supported by the piano, and the optional brass quartet adds a layer of exhilaration to the message that Jesus is alive!
Hosanna in the Streets – Lorenz 10/4059L (SAB:10/4060L) view This conveys the excitement and the tension of the crowd as Jesus rode through the Jerusalem streets. There are opportunities for soloists in this anthem and the option of using trumpet and percussion or full orchestra for accompaniment. Questions from the people are answered with shouts of affirmation in this perfect choice for Palm Sunday. From the cantata "Come, Touch the Robe". Tpt and perc: 30/2652L. Orch:30/2651L. Trax: 99/2802L
Jazz Hosanna - Fred Bock Music BG2303
Jesus, Clear the Temple – Beckenhorst BP2034 preview This is often preached about and is in every year of the lectionary, but I had never heard an anthem based on the story. “Drive out self-ambition, cast out the petty things. Break down the divisions and the sorrow they can bring. Overturn the tables of our selfishness and greed. Break our hearts to minister to those in need.”
King of Suffering – Lorenz 10/4351L From my cantata, Come Walk with Me, this builds through the experience of the cross, toward the dramatic conclusion, “It is finished”.
Lay His Body Down Lorenz 10/4207L view Using the folk melody, this is a poignant way to end the scene at the cross. This will work with any choir with at least three people! If you like this, you may want to see the musical that it is from, Come Walk with Me.
Messiah Has Come, The – Lorenz 10/3390M view
Once Upon a Tree - Hal Leonard 35016190 One of my best all-time sellers. This inspired the full cantata of the same name.
O Sacred Journey - Lorenz 55/1197L This walks through the crucifixion story, using “O Sacred Head” with new texts. Ends with a dramatic, “When I Survey”. Great for holy week services.
One Solitary Life - Hal Leonard 08740762
Psalm to the Savior – Hope 5560 view sample
Raise the Wave of Praise – Lorenz 10/3965L view
Remember Me - Glorysound A 7424 The very gentle folk style creates an initmacy of communion. The simplicity and charm of this anthem will draw the listener in to experience the true meaning of the Lord’s Supper. A part is available for violin (or C instrument).
Remember the Passion – Exaltation (Lorenz) 10/3550L view This is a dramatic piece that intersperses the chorus and scripture readings from the passion of Christ.
Resurrection People - Glorysound A7181 Co-written with Kerry Johnson and my wife Heather, this is a triumphant chorus for the whole church. Though this would be an ideal chorus for the spring, its universal message is appropriate for the entire year. Parts are available for brass quartet/rhythm and full orchestration.
Soldiers of the Cross – Lorenz 10/3831L (SAB: 10/3832L) view From my Easter musical, COME TOUCH THE ROBE. Accompaniment CD, part dominant practice CD and orchestration available.
Surely This Was the Son of God – Shawnee
This Is My Beloved Son - Exaltation 10/3475L view Good for Transfiguration Sunday
Waitin’ for the Mornin’ – Lorenz 10/4481L view Though this has accompaniment, it is designed to also work as a cappella piece. Written in a soulful spiritual style, this may be sung with or without the piano. Of course it’s appropriate for Holy Week or even as an intro to Easter. However, this will offer hope year round to those who are walking through times of personal darkness.
Wash Their Feet – Lorenz 10/4475L From my cantata, Come Touch the Robe, this is a tender anthem telling the story of Jesus washing Peter’s feet. It goes on to encourage us to do the same as we minister to the “humble and meek”. Ideal for Holy Week services, it includes optional text that makes it appropriate for communion. SAB: 10/4458L. Trax: 99/3264L.
We Fall Down – Lorenz 10/3928L Accomp CD and rhythm parts avail.
We Have Seen the Lord - Lorenz 10/4610L view A very artistic, dramatic anthem leading from the quietness of the tomb to the driving excitement of the resurrection. A great way to begin a Easter season service.
What Man Is This? - Lorenz 55/1197L This ties together Christ’s birth with His death in this anthem from "The Body of Christ". Usually heard at Christmas, the tune, Greensleeves” carries new lyrics to highlight Christ's sacrifice. A perfect choice for Holy Week.
Who Is the King? - Flammer A 7163 I know I'm not the first to set this text, but I think you'll find something fresh here. It has a driving energy with modal harmonies that will provide a dynamic way to begin a service. Parts for brass quintet and timpani are available.
Worthy Is the Lamb – Lorenz SATB: 10/3959 SAB: 10/3959L View Accomp. CD and Part Dominant CD available. From the cantata, Come Touch the Robe.
You Are the Christ – Hinshaw HMC 2180 (orchestration: HMC2180A) View Sample Page (PDF)