Having a work of music selected as J. W. Pepper Editors’ Choice is no small feat. Concordia Publishing House is honored to have 10 pieces from handbell, choral, and keyboard publications chosen for recognition this year. This selection by an outside organization speaks to the usefulness, appealing nature, and unique perspectives of CPH publications. Our pieces can be chosen with confidence by musicians of any type, as attested to by top music directors in the field.

And the winners are . . .

Three SAB Anthems of Adoration is a little collection of satisfying SAB praise anthems written by David von Kampen. Each piece is two pages with multiple stanzas. It includes a joyous, metrical setting of the Gloria in Excelsis, a rich and tender “Fair Are the Meadows,” and a winsome “Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him” that begins in canon before holding forth to laud and magnify the Creator.

Let your whole being rejoice to God together with the congregation using this grand and triumphant setting of Psalm 16, “Therefore My Heart Is Glad”. Here the entire psalm is through-composed, interspersed with a congregational antiphon, set for organ with brass quartet and timpani. The text is carefully treated throughout as the piece propels to a breathtaking end. This psalm is appointed for Easter Day, Holy Saturday, and several Sundays after Pentecost. 

You would never guess that the source of this tune was not chant after hearing this piece. The pushing and pulling tension of chant complements this text in a way never before heard, making for passionate and moving song. This arrangement of “Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted: A Lenten Plainsong” is flexible for unison, SA choirs, or solo use and would be appropriate for Lent and especially Good Friday. 

John A. Behnke’s concertato setting of the beloved Christmas carol “Angels We Have Heard on High” is written for SATB choir, congregation, and organ, and the setting also includes optional parts for handbells and orchestra. If handbells and/or an orchestra are unavailable, the concertato remains a fine setting for the congregation and choir this Christmas. Perform it with everything or incorporate just the subset of instruments you have available.

Five Lenten Hymns for Two-Part Choir is a collection of five two-part choir settings highlighting new hymn texts for Lent by hymn writers such as Lisa M. Clark and Stephen P. Starke. The music includes optional congregation stanzas and features settings by Benjamin M. Culli, Jonathan Kohrs, Matthew Machemer, and Jacob B. Weber. Choirs and congregations will find these pieces to be well-crafted while remaining approachable during the busy season of Lent.

Ralph C. Schultz offers us this Appalachian folk song that proclaims the birth of Jesus. The beauty of the song is placed in an accessible setting for SAB choir with a descant for C or B-flat instruments. The music supports the events leading back to the memorable refrain.

David von Kampen has set this anthem for End Times or Advent for SATB choir and piano. It begins with unison choir on the first refrain and moves to SATB in the first verse. The piece closes with a quiet unison phrase. This is sure to become a choir favorite!

This month's selected piece is a well-crafted modern hymn concertato scored for two-part voices, two treble instruments, piano, optional congregation, and optional violoncello by Matthew Machemer. “When I Behold Jesus Christ” features repetitive and overlapping piano patterns that are complemented with polyphonic instrumental lines and accessible choral writing. The overall feel of the piece has a minimalist flair.

Celebrate the coming of the Magi and the Epiphany season by joining in fellowship through music. As you prepare for the season, consider adding these pieces to your repertoire for your Sunday services.