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.

Each Sunday, the regular rhythm of worship includes singing the Hymn of the Day. It helps guide you and other Christians through our beautiful Church Year in song. Do you know how the Hymn of the Day came to be part of our worship services? Read an excerpt from Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Services to learn how Martin Luther saw value in having this and how Lutherans encouraged the practice through robust hymn writing. 

This collection, Five Chorale Preludes on Joyful Themes, represents the CPH debut of organ recitalist and composer Dr. Tom Mueller. These stunning pieces are based on hymns linked by the common theme of joyfulness and vary in mood and spirit. Featuring complex rhythms and harmonies, they are of moderate difficulty and are appropriate for both liturgical and performance settings.

The book of Psalms is frequently referred to as the hymnal of the Old Testament. Written predominantly by King David, this large book features 150 lyrical chapters of prayer, praise, and lament that have edified the Christian church throughout the centuries. For this reason and more, it is only fitting that six prominent psalms are included in One and All Rejoice (OAR).

These are the hymns that are sung again and again, beloved by all, sung with gusto on Sunday morning and hummed throughout the week. Beautiful Savior and Other Beloved Hymns by Kevin Hildebrand, has set these twelve preludes in interesting and varied ways. These include “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” featuring an accompaniment with a strings stop that is drenched with longing emotion, and a toccatina on “Holy, Holy, Holy” that is fun to play and would function as a great introduction to the hymn. 

There’s  a rich history to all of the hymns in Lutheran Service Book. This history easily lends itself to beautiful devotional materials that blend seamlessly into the Church Year. Read these excerpts from five different hymns spanning the entire Church Year from Lutheran Service Book: Devotional Edition to see how this fantastic book can bring you deep, meaningful devotions. 

 Come Now with Praises: Introductions and Final Stanzas includes seven sets on a wide variety of hymns. This collection features dynamic and practical introductions and final stanzas to invigorate your hymn playing. Several sets are loud and rousing, such as “For All the Saints” and “The Day of Resurrection,” while others are graceful and light, such as “The Day Thou Gavest.” Some of the tunes are ones that are not treated as often, such as LLANGLOFFAN and REPTON. The final stanzas are exciting, with just the right balance between independent writing and congregational support. 

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. 

February 1, 2025, marked the 75^th anniversary of Concordia Publishing House’s Music department. That’s three-quarters of a century dedicated to publishing organ, choral, and handbell settings. Almost a lifetime of bringing you hymnals and music books to enhance your personal playing or congregational offerings. In celebration of these 75 years, we wanted to share some fun facts and questions. Put your knowledge to the test and see how much you know below.