Description
This arrangement is powerful. If you are looking for a piece that can be put together rather quickly (for Stake Conference, perhaps), this is a good option.
The first verse is everyone unison. The second verse is written a capella, although the organ/piano could play along if necessary. The parts on the second verse are almost identical to the hymnbook. There are a couple of fancy extensions written in the tenor part, but they are very straightforward.
The third verse again has everyone singing in unison until the end of the second stanza. Then the voices break into SSATBB. The ending is not complicated, although the first sopranos do end on a high G. (I’m sensitive to that note as it is at the very top of my “pseudo-soprano” range. Thank goodness for the second soprano part!)
It is written with organ accompaniment, however, this arrangement can be played on the piano without much loss of musical integrity. The last verse contains some pedal tones that span a measure or two. These bass notes are mostly doubled elsewhere, so if you leave one out it will still sound complete.
This piece is available in both paid and free versions. It was submitted to the Church’s music submission program in 1992. It was later lightly edited (mainly the second soprano part) and published by Jackman Music. Due to this editing, I don’t recommend using both of the versions at the same time (my stake tried and we ended up buying more copies of the Jackman version). You can learn more about this hymn, including its history, at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s website.
Reviewer: Jessi Vandagriff
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