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Rich arrangement of the famous hymn for baritone soloist with TTBB choir.
This hymn is so ubiquitous as to possibly be the most recognizable piece of Christian music ever. A simple pentatonic tune in common meter carries a weighty lyric that marvels at the grace of a loving God to people who deserve only His wrath.
The choir begins with ooo-ing for two stanzas, providing a rich backdrop for the baritone soloist. The third stanza features the choir alone at a somewhat faster tempo.
The fourth stanza stays at the faster tempo, and has the baritone accompanied by a rhythmic figure in the choir.
The final stanza has the choir taking the lead with the baritone signing a descant. A surprise ending leads to a triple Alleluia! to finish the piece strong.
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Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
As long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
--- John Newton
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.
--- John P. Rees
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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MP3 sound sample: midi/synthesizer
This video is of the SATB version from which this version is derived.
AMAZING GRACE, an American melody with lyrics by John Newton and John P. Rees, arranged by Tom Kirkland for baritone solo with unaccompanied TTTB choir, comes in a pdf file of 184K, with a nine-page score and a license page, ten pages in all. Performance time should be about four minutes.
A great southern-gospel-style song which appears in David Hepburn's musical "Philippians - A Love Letter"
David Hepburn is a retired minister-of-music, choir director, band director, missionary, teacher, and school president, and a fine tenor and trumpeter. His many compositions are a testament to the works of Jesus he has seen in the lives of others and in his own life.
This song, part of David's musical Philippians - A Love Letter, is a great praise song about the Name above all names. In the sound sample, narrator Brian Bjorklund reads Philippians 2:9-11 to lead in the song.
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There's a name above all names; that name is Jesus.
There's a joy above all joy; it comes from Jesus.
There's a power greater than all the power man has ever known;
It works within the hearts of men when Jesus takes control.
There's a satisfying sensation when you triumph in his name.
There's a change in your outlook of life; it can never be the same.
Your life is lifted; Spirit-gifted, you'll find new happiness the day
You come to Jesus. He is the way.
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This arrangement includes guitar chords. For vocal solo, sing the tenor part, then switch to the soprano part for the last line "You come to Jesus..."
MP3 sound sample: New Song Singers, 1976.
THE NAME OF JESUS by David Hepburn for SATB (or solo voice) with piano comes in a pdf file of 194K, five pages of music and a license page, six pages in all. Performance time should be approximately two minutes.
David Hepburn is a retired minister-of-music, choir director, band director, missionary, teacher, and school president, and a fine tenor and trumpeter. His many compositions are a testament to the works of Jesus he has seen in the lives of others and in his own life.
This song, part of David's musical Philippians - A Love Letter, is among the most memorable he ever wrote. In the sound sample, Rob King does a wonderful job of interpreting the song, a reflection on the passage just read by the narrator (Brian Bjorklund).
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I can do anything that God asks of me.
He gave me power when He set me free.
I've ceased my worrying since I've learned to pray.
I've found contentment, as I live in Christ each day.
I can do anything God asks me to do.
Counting on Christ alone;
His promises are true.
His way gives confidence, joy complete.
I can do anything God wants me to do.
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MP3 sound sample: Rob King, New Song Singers, 1976.
CONFIDENCE by David Hepburn for solo voice with piano comes in a pdf file of 165K, three pages of music and a license page, four pages in all. Performance time should be approximately 1:40.
Beautiful vocal solo in the southern gospel style with some art-song like elements.
David Hepburn is a retired minister-of-music, choir director, band director, missionary, teacher, and school president, and a fine tenor and trumpeter. His many compositions are a testament to the works of Jesus he has seen in the lives of others and in his own life.
This is a pure vocal solo in David's southern-gospel-influenced style, that has a bit of art song thrown in when the time signature and mood changes. A very interesting and beautiful song for baritone/tenor or soprano.
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I'm so glad to know that Jesus really loves me!
I'm so glad He's taken all my sins away.
So many years I wandered aimlessly in darkness
Hoping that somehow the night would turn to day.
There are so many roads that lead us nowhere,
So many people who don't seem to care,
So many heartaches we're all called to bear,
Then Jesus lifts me from despair.
Jesus says, "I am the way and I've come to lead you home."
Jesus says, "I am the truth and I've come to set you free."
Jesus says, "I am the life, and I'll span eternity,"
"Those who come to the Father come by Me."
I'm so glad to know that Jesus really loves me!
I'm so glad He knows the road to lead me home!
A NEW ROAD HOME by David Hepburn for solo voice with and piano comes in a pdf file of 183K, six pages of music and a license page, seven pages in all. Performance time should be approximately 2:40.
David Hepburn is a retired minister-of-music, choir director, band director, missionary, teacher, and school president, and a fine tenor and trumpeter. His many compositions are a testament to the works of Jesus he has seen in the lives of others and in his own life.
This song is scored for SATB choir, with a section written as a violin solo, which could be played on any concert-pitched instrument, and a vocal solo suitable for male or female voice with choir ahhs for the final chorus.
This piece could also be used as a vocal solo with piano and a solo concert-pitched instrument.
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The love of God is real and I've experienced it,
His touch is as real as the warm morning sun.
His peace is as real as the evening's quiet waters,
His joy is as real as the wind's happy song.
It's real, it's real, I know that He loves me.
It's real, so real, t'will span eternity.
No more days of doubting,
My heart will go on shouting
It's real, God's love is real to me!
It's real, it's real, I know that He loves me.
It's real, so real, t'will span eternity.
No more days of doubting,
My heart will go on shouting
It's real, God's love is real to me!
GOD'S LOVE IS REAL TO ME by David Hepburn for SATB with violin, vocal solo, and piano comes in a pdf file of 198K, eight pages of music and a license page, nine pages in all. Performance time should be approximately 2:35.
This worship song is simple and very singable with a great message.
The light rock beat drives a simple melody that will work its way into the head as the message works its way into the heart. The piece is in the key of E, but the pdf includes a chord chart version in D (marked capo 2).
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Sing praise 'cause our God reigns!
Sing praise 'cause our God reigns!
From the mountains,
Through the nations,
Sing praise 'cause our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Great is the Lord who is worthy to be praised!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
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MP4 sample: David Welch
OUR GOD REIGNS, a worship song by David Welch, comes in a pdf file of 157k, with a two-page song sheet with melody line and chords, one-page guitar lead sheet with lyrics and chords, one-page guitar lead sheet with lyrics and chords for guitar capo 2, and a license page, five pages in all. Performance time should be about 2:40.
David Hepburn is a retired minister-of-music, choir director, band director, missionary, teacher, and school president, and a fine tenor and trumpeter. His many compositions are a testament to the works of Jesus he has seen in the lives of others and in his own life.
This beautiful song was written in 1981.
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If I can plant a seed beneath the ground and see it grow,
And live each year to see the sun of spring melt winter's snow,
Then see the waters from the snow form rivers in the land,
I see the evidence of God and His creative hand.
I see the heavens' rainbow adding color to the sky,
I wonder how the desert blooms when all the ground is dry.
The ocean's misty air we breathe while waves dance on the sand,
We see and feel the evidence of God's creative hand.
Now the God who plants the seed of faith down deep
within my heart
Will surely cause that seed to bloom and fully grow.
And that same God who formed creation with the might
of His own hand,
Will tend that seed 'til I before my Savior stand.
GOD'S CREATIVE HAND by David Hepburn for tenor with piano comes in a pdf file of 180K, with a four-page score and a license page, five pages in all. Performance time should be approximately 2:00.
A father realizes his young son is not a little kid anymore. Song for tenor/baritone and small orchestra, from the first act of the musical play A GIANT INFLATABLE CHRISTMAS.
In the first scene of the first act of the musical play A GIANT INFLATABLE CHRISTMAS, a father becomes wistful as he realizes his young son is not a little kid anymore.
This song is written for a tenor/baritone (range C to F). It can be performed with the piano part only, or with a small orchestra consisting of piano, clarinet, first and second violins, cello, and electric bass.
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When I was just a little kid,
I heard tales of what bold men did;
And beasts with wings and creatures wild,
That stirred the heart of a little child.
The made-up world is a wondrous place,
Of ancient times and of men in space,
And pirate captains and chests of gold,
And a man in red living at the pole.
But the wonder faded away with time,
And the made-up world was no longer mine.
The vision of reindeer in flight with a sleigh-
As childhood retreated, was brushed away.
But in the eyes of my youngest child, the wonder still appears.
The anticipation of Christmas morn, is not dulled by bills and career....
Wonder, oh wonder, wonder a little longer, my son.
Wonder, oh wonder...
Linger a moment before you go on.
When you were just a little kid,
You heard tales of what bold men did;
And beasts with wings and creatures wild,
That stirred the heart of a little child.
How did it happen, the time went so fast,
How many minutes and hours have passed?
You could wonder a little longer, my son,
But the time has come, for you to go on.
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Parts in the rehearsal score are tenor/baritone and piano.
Orchestral parts are:
Clarinet (recommend using only one)
Violin 1 & 2
Cello
Electric Bass
Piano
The remainder of the pit orchestra for the show is tacet for this song.
MP3 sound sample: Entire Piece (synthesizer/midi)
WONDER, OH WONDER, by Tom Kirkland, a tenor/baritone solo with small orchestra, comes in a pdf file of 314K, with a four-page practice score, nine-page full score, four one-page parts, one three-page, part, and a license page, twenty-one pages in all. Performance time should be about 3:40.
Great praise song by David Welch. Complete MP3 sound sample by the composer.
David Welch brings a simple song with a deep message.
Written in the key of G, the range is D to C, just a seventh, so is very singable for all voices, solo or congregation.
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I will shout for joy
To You who reign on high.
I will sing of Your love
For You have brought me new life.
You fill my mouth with laughter!
Songs of joy are on my tongue!
You reign, You reign on high!
Jesus, lover of my soul,
You have come and made me whole!
Your love is better than all things;
My soul is satisfied!
I sing in the shadow of Your wings;
Your name be magnified!
You fill my mouth with laughter!
Songs of joy are on my tongue!
You reign, You reign on high!
Jesus, lover of my soul,
You have come and made me whole!
You reign, You reign on high!
You reign,
Won't You reign in my life?
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MP3 sample: David Welch
YOU REIGN, a worship song by David Welch, comes in a pdf file of 162k, with a two-page song sheet with melody line and chords, one-page guitar lead sheet with lyrics and chords, and a license page, four pages in all. Performance time should be about 2:40.
LORD, YOU'RE ALL I NEED, a worship song by Tom Kirkland, comes in a pdf file of 194k, with a three-page piano score, a two-page song sheet (melody line with lyrics and chords), a one-page guitar lead sheet with lyrics and chords, and a license page, seven pages in all. Performance time should be about 3:16.
Ballad from the musical play A GIANT INFLATABLE CHRISTMAS. Solo for mezzo soprano with 19-piece pit orchestra. Includes rehearsal score with piano part.
There is a character named Anna in the two-act musical stage play A GIANT INFLATABLE CHRISTMAS who happens to be a single mother. The play is set in December of 2011, and Anna, as office manager of a manufacturing company, has not had a raise in four years. The economy is still very tough and things are not easy for her and her kids. This song expresses her melancholy feelings about her situation and also to express her faith that things will get better.
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What is a single mom to do?
There's been no raises now for four straight years!
Guess we will have to muddle through;
Swallow all my pride and choke back tears.
It's for the kids I keep on going
But it gets tougher every day.
I try to rest secure in knowing
That God, you're with me all the way.
What is a single mom to do?
I'll try to keep the heat and lights on.
We are going to make it through.
Suck it up and just keep pressing on.
But you would think that life would be
More of joy, and less of woe.
And maybe there's a way to see
A better way that we should go.
As a child I would dream of a fable:
A ball gown, a carriage, a prince,
Now I have to put food on the table,
And keep kids in clothing that fits.
What is a single mom to do?
There's been no raises now for four straight years!
Guess we will have to muddle through;
Swallow all my pride and choke back tears.
It's for the kids I keep on going
But it gets tougher every day.
I try to rest secure in knowing
That God, You will show me a way.
That God, You will show me a way.
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The range is middle C to E, a tenth, and suitable for mezzo soprano.
The pdf file includes a rehearsal score containing the vocal line and a piano part that could be used for performance without an orchestra, or with a partial orchestra.
The song itself is just over three minutes long, and is followed in the score by a 40-second scene change tag. The tag could be shortened to 20 seconds, or lengthened to 60 or 80 seconds through the use of a cut or repeats at the double bar lines provided.
The song is intended to be performed with the pit orchestra for the show, and 19 pieces are recommended:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Trumpet 1 & 2 (one each)
F Horn 1 & 2 (one each)
Trombone 1 & 2 (one each)
Violin 1 & 2 (two each)
Cello
Keyboard (Acoustic Grand)
Guitar (one player: hollow body electric)
Electric Bass
Drum Kit (one player: bass, snare, high hat and ride cymbals, tom-toms)
Since this is written for a pit orchestra, no substitute parts are included.
WHAT IS A SINGLE MOM TO DO? by Tom Kirkland, a mezzo soprano solo with 19-piece orchestra, comes in a pdf file of 729K, including a six-page vocal/piano rehearsal score, twenty-six page orchestral score, eleven two-page parts, two three-page parts and a license page, sixty-one pages in all. Performance time should be about 3:10 for the song alone, plus about 40 seconds for the scene change tag at the end.
A humorous song from the musical play A GIANT INFLATABLE CHRISTMAS. Material in the pdf file is a tenor solo with 20-piece orchestra or possibly just piano, plus the script of the scene from the play, which can easily stand alone as a comedy skit.
The two-act musical stage play A GIANT INFLATABLE CHRISTMAS contains a plot point about a church Christmas program. We first learn of the Christmas program in this scene, when Anna, the person who has volunteered to run the program, visits Rev. Devon to discuss her plans. After a brief discussion, Rev. Devon sings a list of past Christmas program failures he has witnessed in his long career. This scene, a high point of humor in the show, easily stands alone as a skit. The three-page script of the scene is included in the pdf file.
Here are two sample stanzas, along with the connecting dialogue:
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In eighty-eight an idea that they thought would turn to gold,
Was to ditch the baby doll and use a real live two-month-old.
Her parents gave her something that was supposed to make her sleep.
But during Silent Night the little babe began to shriek.
Anna: What did they give her? To make her sleep, I mean.
Rev. Devon: I told them never to tell me.
In ninety-seven we had seen some hardware that we liked,
And fitted all the speaking roles with brand-new wireless mics.
It worked just fine and we had started feeling mighty grand,
Until United fifty-six asked to be cleared to land.
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In this scene, Anna does not sing, and with a name change, would not even have to be female. Rev. Devon's song runs from D to G, an octave and a half, though there is a built-in workaround for the G, and there is only one F# that is also easy to work around, leaving E as the highest note, so the song is probably doable by a high baritone.
The pdf file includes a rehearsal score containing the vocal line and a piano part that could be used for performance without an orchestra, or with a partial orchestra.
The song is intended to be performed with the pit orchestra for the show, and 20 pieces are recommended:
THINGS WE WILL NEVER DO by Tom Kirkland, a tenor solo with 20-piece orchestra, comes in a pdf file of 968K, including a three-page script for ACT ONE SCENE FOUR of the musical play A GIANT INFLATABLE CHRISTMAS, a fifteen-page vocal/piano rehearsal score, thirty-six page orchestral score, nine three-page parts, two four-page parts, one seven-page part, and a license page, ninety-seven pages in all. Performance time should be about 4:15 for the song alone, about six minutes for the entire scene.
Deep river, my home is over Jordan.
Oh, deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into campground.
Deep river, my home is over Jordan.
Oh, deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into campground.
Oh, don't you want to go with me to that gospel feast?
That promised land where all is peace?
Deep river, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.
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MP3sound sample: Entire piece (synthesizer/midi).
DEEP RIVER, an American spiritual arranged by Tom Kirkland for bass solo with piano, comes in a pdf file of 181K, with a three-page score and a license page, four pages in all. Performance time should be about 2:20.
A new arrangement of a standard hymn, is very nice for a solid baritone soloist with a college choir.
This hymn is so ubiquitous as to possibly be the most recognizable piece of Christian music ever. A simple pentatonic tune in common meter carries a weighty lyric that marvels at the grace of a loving God to people who deserve only His wrath.
The choir begins with ooo-ing for two stanzas, providing a rich backdrop for the baritone soloist. The third stanza features the choir alone at a somewhat faster tempo.
The fourth stanza stays at the faster tempo, and has the baritone accompanied by a rhythmic figure in the choir.
The final stanza has the choir taking the lead with the baritone signing a descant. A surprise ending leads to a triple Alleluia! to finish the piece strong.
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Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
As long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
--- John Newton
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.
--- John P. Rees
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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M4A sound sample: Les Loriots de Cap-Rouge
Baritone: Timothy Vermilyea
Cap-Rouge, Quebec Canada
Recorded live at Seminaire St-François, Cap-Rouge, May 18, 2013
AMAZING GRACE, an American melody with lyrics by John Newton and John P. Rees, arranged by Tom Kirkland for baritone solo with unaccompanied SATB choir, comes in a pdf file of 212K, with a nine-page score and a license page, ten pages in all. Performance time should be about four minutes.
A new worship song suitable for solo or congregational singing.
Ten of the fifteen verses of Psalm 92 are represented in this worship song, many in paraphrase. This is a simple song with a strong hook that is suitable for solo or group singing, as well as congregational singing.
The range is from C to E, just a tenth. There is a written alto/tenor part to go with the chorus. The chorus contains the highest notes in the melody line.
This song was first done in a worship service with baritone solo voice, two backup singers (alto and tenor on the chorus), two guitars, piano, bass and drums, and received many positive comments.
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It's good to give You thanks, O Lord,
And sing praises to Your name!
To declare Your mercy in the morning,
Your faithfulness by night!
For You, O Lord, have made me glad
By all that You have done.
I'll sing for joy at the works of Your hands,
My Rock, The Righteous One!
How wonderful Your works, O Lord,
Your thoughts are very deep.
You dwell on high eternally,
And crush Your enemies.
You make the righteous thrive,
When planted in Your courts.
I'll sing for joy at the works of Your hands,
My Rock, The Righteous One!
Let the music sound
From every instrument!
Let every voice cry out;
Sing praises to Your name!
Declare the Lord is living today,
My Rock, The Righteous One!
MY ROCK, THE RIGHTEOUS ONE (PSALM 92), a worship song by Tom Kirkland, comes in a pdf file of 495k, with a six-page piano score, a two-page song sheet (melody line with lyrics and chords), a two-page guitar lead sheet with lyrics and chords, and a license page, eleven pages in all. Performance time should be about 3:45.
A wonderful new worship song by David Welch. Complete M4a sample by the composer.
David Welch has paraphrased Psalm 28 in this new song of praise to The God Who Delivers.
The moving folk-style melody has a strong hook and is very singable by congregations, small groups, or soloists. The piece is in the key of G, but the pdf includes a chord chart version in E (marked capo3).
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You Are My Shelter
You Are My Strength
You're My Deliverer
And You saved me by Your grace
To You I call, O Lord my Rock
You Hear my cry for mercy
When I am tired and alone, Lord
You lift me up
Your Hands, O Lord, outstretched in power
I lift my hands to Your Holy Place
My heart leaps for joy at the wonders
Of Your Amazing Grace
And now I offer back to You; All I am for what You do
Your love is amazing; You are unchanging
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M4a sample: David Welch
YOU ARE, a worship song by David Welch, comes in a pdf file of 224k, with a two-page song sheet with melody line and chords, one-page guitar lead sheet with lyrics and chords, one-page guitar lead sheet with lyrics and chords for guitar capo 3, and a license page, five pages in all. Performance time should be about four minutes.
Bob Latham's new original lyrics set to a tune that is reminiscent of a "great revival" hymn.
Bob Latham wrote a terrific song lyric that does not pull any punches and is strongly in the tradition of revivial songs of the early 20th century. It is fitting then, that these words are married with music that could easily have been from that period.
This song is presented in SATB format with two parts per staff, hymnal-style, so is easily adapted to choir, quartet, or congregational singing.
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There are those whose journey is long,
Who at the outset are weak, not strong;
Each day's a struggle because of past sin,
But Jesus says, come enter in.
He came to earth to die you see.
Because of His love He can set you free.
He paid the price we could not pay.
Please don't wait another day.
Unlike the world, He came with love
To provide a home in heaven above.
He is a God of righteousness.
He gave His life to save all of us.
Will you call on Him, accept His grace,
He who died to take our place?
He says repent and turn to Him.
Call on Jesus to forgive your sin.
So bow your heart and come today!
God's word says Jesus is the only way.
Jesus said He would make all things new,
He'll come into your life and change you, too!
Call on Jesus,
Cry out to Jesus,
He loves you so.
CALL ON JESUS, lyrics by Bob Latham, music by Tom Kirkland for SATB or congregational singing, comes in a pdf file of 450K, with a three-page score and a license page, four pages in all. Performance time is approximately 2:40.
A worship song with a Scottish sound for vocal solo or ensemble with worship band or guitar.
They tell me an ancestor, William C. Kirkland, came over to the United States from Scotland in 1805. Perhaps that explains why I have suddely written a Scottish-sounding song.
My desire was to write a worship song using the names of Jesus found in scripture as well as talking about the redemption. It is a tremendous blessing that this lyric is so full of phrases from scripture.
The lyric was originally written for another tune, one that could not be remembered after the lapse of time it took to get it written down, therefore, this tune was written to fit the lyric. This melody is much more majestic and fitting for the lyric anyway, so all things worked together for good.
It is intended that this piece be done with a worship band consisting of a synthesizer, guitars, and drum. Real strings and an oboe or bagpipe would be a wonderful substitute for the synthesizer. It could also be done with just guitar, but the transition leads from the key of D into the key of F for the last stanza. The key of F being among the most hated by guitar players, it may be best, if done with just guitar, to cut out the transition and do all three stanzas in D. Capo 1 chords are included in the lead sheet for the last half of the transition and the third stanza in the key of E, but the trick will be to figure out when to put the capo on.
A harmony part is written for the third stanza that is in a good range for either tenors or altos, or both.
Transitioning to the key of F also makes the highest note of the melody an F, which is probably too high for a congregation. It may also be best in the case of congregational singing to leave out the transition and do all three stanzas in D.
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Jesus, Name of matchless worth,
You are Lord indeed,
Ruler of the universe,
Everything we need.
Jesus high above the earth,
Present here; we sing:
Jesus, Name of matchless worth,
Lord of everything.
Jesus, Name of matchless worth,
Humbly bled and died,
Then You rose up from the earth,
In beauty glorified.
As in Adam all men died,
So in You we live.
Jesus, Savior, crucified,
Praise to You we give.
King of Kings!
Lord of Lords!
Mighty God!
Counselor!
Prince of Peace!
Our best Friend!
Alpha, Omega!
Beginning and End!
Jesus, Name of matchless worth,
We give You all the praise,
Set Your throne upon the earth,
Our voices now we raise.
Jesus, high exalted One,
We humbly bring our song:
Jesus, You're the only one
To Whom our hearts belong.
Jesus, You're the only one
To Whom our hearts belong.
JESUS NAME OF MATCHLESS WORTH, worship song by Tom Kirkland, comes in a pdf file of 774K, with a six-page-page score and a two-page lead sheet, plus a license page, nine pages in all. Performance time should be about three minutes.
Quiet arrangement of a favorite hymn for baritone solo with violin and cello.
This hymn tune by Arthur Mann with lyric by John Bode has been characterized by some as a funeral hymn, when it is in fact a hymn of consecration, a plea for close fellowship through the trials of life and a commitment to constantly seek God's guidance.
This is intended to be sung by a baritone, and the solo part is written in bass clef. Treble singers may do well with this piece, as well as some instrumentalists.
In the accompaniment, substituting oboe or flute for the high part or bassoon for the low part might be good alternate possibilities, though the flautist may find the lack of good breathing places daunting. Either or both accompaniment parts could also be played on a high-quality synthesizer in a pinch.
The tune and harmony are interesting and beautiful, but the best feature is the prayer that is the lyric:
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O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend.
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide.
O let me feel Thee near me, the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me, around me and within,
But Jesus, draw Thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory, there shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow my Master and my Friend.
Lord, give me grace to follow my Master and my Friend.
O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED, by Bode and Mann, arranged for baritone soloist with violin and cello by Tom Kirkland, comes in a pdf file of 486K, with a four page score, two-page violin part, two-page cello part, and a license page, nine pages in all. Performance time should be about 3:00.
"When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." --Luke 2:17-19 NIV
This is a song about what Mary might have thought while singing her baby boy to sleep a night or two after the visit of the shepherds. The most striking dimension is the emphasis on a mother's conflicting desires to see her child grow up, but also to see her child remain a little baby just a while longer.
This song is written for a mezzo soprano soloist with (or without) alto or possibly high tenor (highest note A). If performed with a male singing the "alto" part, it could be incorporated into a Christmas program as a song sung by Mary and Joseph beside the manger. Also very effective performed by a women's chorus, where it is suggested to sing unison except for those points where the alto part appears.
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Be still and sleep my Yeshua, my little baby son,
Close your eyes and dream of times when better things will come.
What little can we give you: Life as a carpenter's son,
And in the hills of Galilee, you will learn to run.
What a nurs'ry for Messiah, this stable where we stay!
You've nothing but these well-worn blankets, and this fragrant bed of hay...
The hills were ringing with the song sung by the angel choir,
(Glory in the highest, and on earth his peace!)
Start'ling all the shepherds there, all huddling by the fire.
Then those shepherds came and honor'd you, a most amazing sight,
And I heard the praises on their lips, saw the wonder in their eyes.
(Wonderful! Counselor! Prince of Peace! Mighty God!
Everlasting Father! Messiah!)
But in the quiet of the night, my dearest pride and joy,
Messiah seems so far away, you're just my little boy...
One day you will leave our home to do Jehovah's will,
Wear your crown and purple robe, ascend the holy hill!
Then when it's time to take your throne they all will sing your praise,
And ev'ryone will bow the knee and Lord will be your name!
But in the time I watch you grow, while you still need me near,
Just be my precious little one, the son I love so dear,
Your working time is yet to come: Messiah your birthright,
But in this moment Yeshua,
My dearest precious Yeshua,
Just be my little Yeshua,
For one more silent night.
(Wonderful! Counselor! Messiah! Prince of Peace!)
LULLABY FOR THE MESSIAH, by Tom Kirkland, a mezzo soprano solo with alto (or tenor) or for women's chorus, with piano accompaniment, comes in a pdf file of 525K, eight pages of music and a license page, nine pages in all. Performance time should be about four minutes.
This is a song about contemplating God's will for your life, about not wanting your own wishes to interfere with what God really desires you to do, even if that means making a complete and radical change in everything you thought you were going to do, and where you thought you would be, and even who you thought you would be.
The lyric is in the form of a prayer:
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Don't know what I want, don't know what to say,
Don't know what to do, hear me Lord I pray.
Show me where to serve, let me know Your way,
Ev'rything I am, fully Yours today.
Lord I'll be Your man, I'll do what You say,
Use me right at home, send me miles a-way,
Willingly I'll go, willingly I'll stay,
Ev'rything I am, fully Yours today.
Thinking of Your Love, what amazing grace,
Picture You enthroned, in that holy place,
Fall down on my knees, beg to know your will,
Followed You this far, and I always will.
Lord I'll be Your man, I'll do what You say,
Use me right at home, send me miles away,
Willingly I'll go, willingly I'll stay,
Ev'rything I am, fully Yours today.
FULLY YOURS TODAY, a vocal solo by Tom Kirkland, comes in a pdf file of 262K, with a three-page score that includes the simple string and bass line plus guitar chords, and a license page, four pages in all. Performance time should be approximately 3:15.
A simple vocal solo with a Caribbean feel that can also be used as a worship chorus.
I was on a small island in the Carribbean, lying in a hammock under a palm tree beside a sparkling azure bay, my seaplane anchored just offshore, sipping something with a funny little umbrella in it when this song just came to me, wafting on a warm sea breeze.
Well, not really. That is the way I wish it had happened. In reality, I was in the shower on a Friday morning, getting ready to go to work. There was no tropical sea breeze in the air, just the scent of Suave shampoo and Zest soap. It was warm and humid in there though, despite the cold wind blowing outside the window....
I was idling away on a kind of Jose Feliciano guitar and melody thing, and suddenly this lyric, which I had memorized nearly thirty years ago, came to mind. Now, such a thing happens quite frequently, but I never seem to be able to get it down on paper before it is gone. In this case, I studied the melody, decided D was a good key for it, and mentally wrote the first phrase, F#, D, G, F#, E, F#. Somehow, I rembered when in the shower on Saturday that I had a good musical idea the day before, and was able to reconstruct the tune beginning with the note sequence I had worked out. I sang it to myself a few times to refresh it, then, before my hair was completely dry, I sketched the melody into the computer. The rest of it just kind of happened as I fleshed it out on Saturday evening, after a day of one of my least favorite things: car shopping.
I'm not sure where the vaguely Carribbean feel came from. I was aiming for something more Latin. Maybe it is the tempo. Anyway, the end result is restful, easygoing, and peaceful, like the sense of calm in the midst of a storm that the lyric talks about.
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Jesus, priceless treasure, source of purest pleasure,
Truest friend to me!
Oh, how long I've panted, and my heart has fainted,
Thirsting Lord, for Thee!
Thine I am, oh spotless Lamb!
I will never, never hide Thee,
Nothing else beside Thee!
Nothing else beside Thee!
(break)
End the fear and sadness, for the Lord of gladness,
Jesus enters in.
We who love the Father, though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within.
Fires may flash and thunders crash,
Yes, and sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me!
Jesus will not fail me!
(break)
Any burden I must bear, still in Thee is purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!
Jesus, priceless treasure!
Jesus, priceless treasure!
Jesus, priceless treasure!
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Talk about going to the well for a lyric! I learned this lyric while memorizing the first six and final movements of BWV227, Jesu, Priceless Treasure, by J.S. Bach (available elsewhere in the sheet music section of this site), back in 1976. The original lyric for the hymn was penned in German by J. Franck in 1655, and was translated to English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863. I have cut and pasted from a couple of different places in the original hymn text and modernized the English, but otherwise, the lyric for this song is by Franck and Winkworth.
I hope you find this a fun and thoughful interpretation of the text, rather than a trivialization. I think the text is very joyful, and while my little tune cannot hold a candle to the Johann Creuger hymn tune for simple majesty, it probably does sit better on the modern ear.
The score is for vocal solo, flute, guitar, bass, and wood block. No doubt there are many ways to use this in a worship setting, including congregational singing, and recordings of performances, however creative, are always welcome.
JESUS, PRICELESS TREASURE, accompanied vocal solo with lyric by Franck and Winkworth, music by Tom Kirkland, comes in a pdf file of 686K, with an eight-page score, a two-page melody line with chords, and a license page, eleven pages in all. Performance time should be approximately 3:45.
A male chorus setting of the old Danish hymn "Den Store Hvide Flok" in English, with a baritone soloist carrying the lead. The lyrics are here set to a Norwegian folk melody arranged by Edvard Greig.
Den store hvide flok vi se som tusind bjerge fuld af sne....
This old Danish hymn was originally penned by H. A. Brorson in 1765. There have been at least two tunes associated with these words in Denmark, but the tune that seems to have survived the hop across the Atlantic to North America is the one set to the Norwegian translation in 1906 by Edvard Greig. He used an old Norwegian folk tune with an appropriate meter and created a rich harmonization that survives in many hymnals to this day.
There seems to have been (or perhaps still is) a tradition of male choruses perfoming this piece in Norway. The male chorus is one of the most interesting of ensembles to arrange for, since the mature male voice can come in a variety of ranges which, when combined in a chorus, gives the composer nearly three usable octaves of vocal sound of similar timbre to work with. The sounds can be quite full and rich, as the harmonies are often of necessity quite close, but the range allows for a vast pallette of expression. It is not that a male chorus is necessarily better than any other vocal ensemble, it just offers a unique setting for any piece.
The text for this piece is from Revelation 7, where John describes a great crowd of the redeemed singing before the throne of God. While there are two additional stanzas of the Danish hymn that go on to more fully describe the scene, this edition contains only the first stanza, since it conveys the message and feeling quite well without undue repetition, and makes a complete short anthem with a concise message.
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Behold a host array'd in white,
Like a thousand snow-clad mountains bright.
With palms they stand, who are this band, before the throne of light?
Lo, these are they of glorious fame,
Who from the great affliction came,
And in the flood of Jesus blood, are cleansed from guilt and shame.
Now gather'd in the holy place,
Their voices they in worship raise.
Their anthems swell where God doth dwell 'mid angels' songs of praise.
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Mr. Oliver Mogck (1920-2000) was teaching music at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota when he performed the solo in this piece as director of the college's Male Chorus. It was a special number that he included in the repertoire during the Bethel Male Chorus' tour of northern Europe in 1978. The copy of this piece that was transcribed to produce this edition was in Mr. Mogck's own hand and there is a possibility that he re-voiced the original Greig or made some other adjustments, but since he did not credit himself as an arranger in his manuscript we elected to follow his lead. There is no intent on the part of the publisher to slight this great man or his memory in any way. He always enjoyed singing this piece, as he loved great sacred music his entire life.
BEHOLD A HOST The English translation of the first stanza of Brorson's Danish hymn "Den Store Hvide Flok" set to a Norwegian folk tune arranged by Edvard Greig for a cappella TTBB choir with a baritone soloist carrying the melody, comes in a PDF file of 960K that contains a three page full score plus a license page, four pages in all. Performance time should be around 2:15.
Felix Mendelssohn's lovely arioso from the oratorio "St. Paul." A terrific vocal solo with a memorable message. Complete MP3 sound sample.
Felix Mendelssohn was known for a flowing, lyrical style in all of his works. His oratorio "Saint Paul" stands as a singularly wonderful showcase for his talent as a composer.
The arioso "But the Lord is Mindful of His Own" is a tremendous comfort, and coming as it does between Saul "breathing threats and murder" and the conversion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, it reminds us that no matter how bad things get, God has a plan.
The lyric has only two lines, repeated several times: "But the Lord is mindful of His own, He remembers His children. Bow down before Him, ye mighty, for the Lord is near us."
The piece is rather short, but it lingers in the memory for both its tremendous message and its inimitable beauty. The range is only an octave and a half, from a low A to a D, but if the one occurrence of the low A is worked around by popping it up an octave (this is quite often done, even by professionals, and detracts not at all from the flow of the piece) then the range becomes only a ninth, which makes this one of the most singable pieces of classic vocal literature.
If the low A workaround is done, this piece works very well for a children's choir singing in unison. In fact, that is where I first encountered it, at the age of nine, as a boy soprano. This little song has since held its own spot in my heart.
MP3 sound sample: Morris Nilsen Minneapolis Boys Choir, 1969, Director: David S. Van Fleet, Piano: Ann Ransom
BUT THE LORD IS MINDUL OF HIS OWN by Felix Mendelssohn, an alto solo with piano accompaniment, is presented for download as a pdf file of 880K, four pages of music plus a license page. Performance time will be approximately two minutes.
A terrific short gospel song with a great lyric. When done expressively, it will not leave a dry eye in the house. Words and music by David Hepburn.
David Hepburn does it again. This short poignant gospel song has a wonderfully singable melody, a fantastic and expressive lyric, and a timeless message.
Perhaps the most unusual thing about this song is its lack of verse/chorus structure. It is memorable without being the least repetitious, and in that way has more of an art-song structure, but it also clearly has roots in traditional gospel music. Overall, it is quite a compelling song.
The lyric is perhaps the song's best feature:
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I came as a pauper, not as a prince,
To the foot of the cross where Jesus died,
To plead for His mercy, for I knew I was lost,
If His grace to me was denied.
I had no great riches, position, or fame,
My talents were common to men,
And I knew if I needed these things when I came,
Then my search for forgiveness would never end.
So I came empty handed, stripped of my pride,
I knelt at the cross where the Savior died,
His grace and forgiveness to me were applied,
And now I'm a child of the King.
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The sound sample is of a slightly different arrangement, and the piano accompaniment is ad-libbed to a significant degree.
The song is easy to sing for tenors or sopranos; range is C to F, an octave and a half.
MP3 sound sample: Covenant Four, solo by David Hepburn, 1988.
A CHILD OF THE KING comes in a pdf file of 984k, including a four page vocal part with very simple piano accompaniment and guitar chords, and a license page, five pages in all. Performance time is just over two minutes.
David Hepburn's wonderful gospel song continues to garner appreciation for its classic melody and timeless crystal-clear gospel message. You'll be glad you clicked on this one.
It is a real privilege to have this piece available here on www.tributek.com. This is a gospel song in the most classic tradition with a crystal-clear gospel message. It has been a personal favorite of the publisher for several decades now.
David Hepburn wrote this song in 1975 during his tenure as leader of the New Song Singers, based on Minneapolis. He personally performed it as a solo with piano, bass, guitar, drums, and four-part choral harmony on hundreds of occasions. Later, a different arrangement of this same song was performed for many years by the Covenant Four Quartet (of which David was a member), based in San Francisco.
We present here the original "New Song Singers" version, complete with the four-part mixed choir backup vocal. The brass parts heard in the sample are not included. The choral backup is quite simple and could be played on a synthesizer or by a string or brass quartet, or left out. The printed piano part is simplified significantly from what you hear in the sample, but few pianists can resist creating their own version with various runs and licks, and that's just fine with us.
We include here the entire lyric, as it is quite compelling and beautiful:
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There's a city, I've been told,
Where the streets are paved with gold,
Where sorrow and strife
Have no part in that new life,
And the gates were opened wide on the day that Jesus died,
And He paved the road to heaven with His love.
Oh, He paved the road to heaven with His love,
Condescending to come down from heaven above.
When He died on Calvary's tree
Redeeming men and setting free,
He paved the road to heaven with His love.
If to that city you would go
Then my Jesus you must know.
He alone is the way,
He alone the price did pay.
"Follow Me," He says in love, "I've a mansion up above,"
"And I paved the road to heaven with My love."
Oh, He paved the road to heaven with His love,
Condescending to come down from heaven above.
When He died on Calvary's tree
Redeeming men and setting free,
He paved the road to heaven with His love.
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MP3 Sound sample: David Hepburn and the New Song Singers, 1975.
THE ROAD TO HEAVEN by David Hepburn comes in a PDF file of 1096K, eleven pages in all, score with vocal line, four-part SATB backup, piano part, guitar chords. Range is B to E, almost an octave and a half. Performance time, about about 3:00.
A snappy opening song for a Christian choir, also includes a solo version. Words and music by David Hepburn.
Every group needs an opener, and it should be something that warms up those people who came to hear. This song has been used by both the old New Song Singers based in Minneapolis and the Covenant Four Quartet based in San Francisco for the best part of twenty-five years. It is consistent in its ability to be used to open a crowd up to hear what is about to come, and its snappy lyric is a real treat, with a real message.
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Singing songs of happiness,
Songs designed to tell you this:
There is joy when you're abiding
In God's love and there residing.
Singing, singing, singing of God's love!
There are songs of great romance,
Songs that make you want to dance,
Songs that keep your toes a tappin',
Songs that keep your fingers snappin'.
We are singing only of God's love.
Songs that tell us Jesus paid the price by which our lives are saved.
When we come in faith believing, God the Father is forgiving.
Singing songs of our redemption,
Songs of joy is our intention,
Songs of praise! To God the Glory!
Happy songs to tell our story.
Singing, singing, singing of God's love!
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Note that the brass parts heard in the sound sample are not included in the printed music. The piano part improvised by Tim Amstutz is only loosely based on David's manuscript. The sound sample also includes the transition into Todd Krause's trombone solo, whereas the printed music reprises the bridge and final chorus and has a big ending without going into "For God So Loved the World..."
MP3 sound sample: New Song Singers, 1975.
SINGING OF GOD'S LOVE by David Hepburn comes in a PDF file of 1288K, eight pages in all, including the SATB version with simple piano accompaniment, and a solo version with the same piano accompaniment and guitar chords. Performance time, about 1:15.
A slow, contemplative treatment of I Peter 1:23-35. Deals with the temporary nature of man and the eternal nature of God.
A slow, contemplative, contemporary treatment of I Peter 1:23-25 that emphasizes the temporary nature of the work of man, and the eternal nature of the Word of God. Vocal range is moderate, D to E a ninth above.
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The work of man is like the flowers in a field,
Pleasing for a season then to winter winds they yield.
Lovely fragrance giving way to a crumbling dusty end,
Blown away by winter winds and then starting out again.
But the word of the Lord stands forever,
It will never pass away.
And the things we invest in Jesus will stand beyond today.
Three score and ten is like a second in His sight.
We may be magnificent, blooming full and bright,
But when the winter winds come by to blow the dust away,
All we have accomplished will perish on that day.
But the word of the Lord stands forever,
It will never pass away.
And the things we invest in Jesus will stand beyond today.
The natural man is born of seed that will perish in the fall,
But the one who's born of water and the word comes through it all.
For the word of the Lord stands forever,
It will never pass away.
And the things we invest in Jesus will stand beyond today.
Yes the things we invest in Jesus will stand beyond today.
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Includes a score with written piano part, a guitar chord chart with vocal line, and an optional oboe part that could also be played by flute or violin.
MP3 sound sample: entire piece (synthesizer/midi).
THE THINGS WE INVEST IN JESUS by Tom Kirkland comes in a PDF file of 1560K. Performance time, approximately 4:15.
