Go Up!

Go up to a high mountain
and shout aloud the good news!
Lift up your voices with strength and do not fear,
O heralds of the good news!

Introducing a new general anthem for 2016! Go Up! is a scripture song with some refreshing musical ideas. When the folks at Alfred/Jubilate first asked for a Scripture setting from Isaiah 40, I was intrigued–but nervous,too! There are many beautiful, meaningful textual strands in this chapter, but in some ways the ideas seem disparate. I was nervous about finding a way to make a cohesive piece of music out of them. But I’m a firm believer in the need for more Scripture songs, so I jumped in. I’m pleased with the results, and because the text covers a variety of topics and moods, the music does some interesting things. The main theme is syncopated and joyful, evoking hints of old spiritual style, while the contrasting sections are more lyrical and pastoral. When the main theme returns for the final time, there’s opportunity for a soulful solo. This anthem is scored for SATB choir and piano with optional S/T solo. It’s available now from Alfred Music/Jubilate Music. Listen below (I love the solo at the end!)