- By:
- John D. Witvliet, Pearl Shangkuan
- Publisher:
- GIA Publications, 2004
- Themes:
- Music and Congregational Singing
The following anthems are some of the most popular pieces in CICW's choral series and are also included on GIA's list of "Top 10 All Time" best sellers.
1. "Christus Paradox"
For SATB Voices and Organ (Text: Sylvia Dunstan. Music: Alfred V. Fedak)
“You, Lord, are both Lamb and Shepherd.” Thus begins Sylvia Dunstan’s text, which examines the seeming contradictions inherent in the one called the Christ. These “Choral Variations on picardy” by Alfred V. Fedak are a fitting vehicle for the profound text. Extensive background notes are included.
2. "Many Colors Paint the Rainbow"
For SATB Voices divisi and Piano (Text: Herman G. Stuempfle. Music: Roy Hopp)
This piece is appropriate for communion services or any service that focuses on the theme of Christian unity. It would be especially appropriate for World Communion Sunday. The text celebrates the rich diversity of the church as it is formed by the Word of God and fed at the communion table.
3. "O God, We Kneel before Your Throne"
For SATB Voices, Assembly, Organ, Brass Quintet, and Timpani (Text: Ruth van Baak Griffioen. Music: Roy Hopp)
This dazzling hymn in concertato form is one destine for the hymn books, if not the ages.
Its sweeping appeal leading to the assembly refrain, “How wide, how long, how high, how deep is the love of Christ,” is sure to lift the assembly out of its pews. With brass and organ this setting based on Ephesians would be an appealing choice for a festival celebration, commemoration, or feasts of Christ the King or the Sacred Heart. A real bonus is the homily on Ephesians on the inside cover!
4. "Takwaba Uwabanga Yesu"
For SATB Voices and Percussion (Text: Trad. Zambian, additional words by Ben Allaway. Music: Trad. Zambian, arr. and additional music by Ben Allaway)
This rhythmic Zambian song for SATB voices and drum alternates between an easily singable native text and an English translation, providing a way of celebrating the fact that our brothers and sisters in Christ come from among all peoples and cultures. Percussion part is for Congas and Djimbe with optional cowbell and shaker.
5. "We Will Rejoice"
For STAB Voices and Children's Choir (Text: Sylvia Dunstan. Music: Roy Hopp)
A cheerful unaccompanied anthem with spirited rhythms. Scored for combined children’s and SATB choirs but can be done with soloist substituting for the former. Though it only averages four note-filled measures per page, this piece joyfully presses on for 17 pages.
It has a dynamism that makes it an instant success.
