God So Loved the World

I first heard this setting at the National Cathedral during the 2011 Spirit of CUE Choir presentation by the 130-voice Youth Choir of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC, Larry Dickens, Director. This choir led off the Festival Grand Concert with this anthem, and the YouthCUE staff and I sat on the front row mesmerized. The part-writing in the orchestration is so beautiful that it is breathtaking, particularly in the Cathedral setting. Even the professional players somehow sensed they were on holy ground. The choral ranges are perfect for student voices.

That being said, a caveat needs to be offered: the anthem will be much more effective if the choral phrases, chopped up by eighth rests throughout the piece, are re-connected and put back together for long sweeping phrases. The choir - yes, including student choirs - can accomplish this with some work and discipline. The lines re-fused are beautiful and moving. Highly recommended for a concert color piece or a worship service around Communion, Lent, Holy Week, or even Advent.