Augsburg Fortress

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

In this creative and expressive anthem, Brenda Portman writes captivating new music to go with familiar words reflecting on the graciousness of God and what is required of us in return.

Voicing: SATB, Pno
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: General; Lent & Holy Week; Reformation

By Grace

With sustained legato lines and subtly shifting harmonies, Cherwien’s writing is both graceful and intriguing. Based on Ephesians, this is the perfect text for Reformation Sunday.

Voicing: SATB
Difficulty: Medium
Use: Confirmation/Affirmation; Ordination; Reformation

Rise Up and Go Tell It!

Two spirituals about the shepherds are paired in this exciting anthem by Anthony Giamanco, which begins with “Rise Up, Shepherds, and Follow” and segues into “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

Voicing: 2 pt mxd, Pno
Difficulty: Easy
Use: Christmas

Jesus, Feed Us

Brian Wentzel's arrangement of a favorite communion hymn, featuring a driving piano rhythm is accessible for choirs of all sizes.

Voicing: Piano; SAB/3-part mixed
Difficulty: Easy
Use: Communion; General

A Mystery, a Miracle

Jayne Southwick Cool wrote both the text and the tune of this gently flowing hymn-anthem, which speaks to the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation.

Voicing: SATB, Pno
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Christmas

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Evelyn Larter writes a refreshing setting of the traditional Polish lullaby in jazz style.

Voicing: SATB
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Christmas

It Came upon the Midnight Clear

Imaginative text painting brings added depth to this well-loved carol arranged by Tom Trenney. Lyrical writing is mixed with lush chordal harmonies along with a full piano accompaniment.

When We Must Bear Persistent Pain

David Cherwien writes a poignant setting of a Ruth Duck hymn text, found in All Creation Sings, which asks for God’s care while suffering from chronic pain. An easily learned and effective anthem.

Voicing: SATB
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: General; Healing; Ordinary Time

Unless You Lead Me, Love

Keesecker's setting of poetry by 13th cent. mystic Mechtild of Magdeburg invites us to dance and sing with the love that created the world.

Voicing: Piano; SAB/3-part mixed
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Easter; General; Pentecost

For the Beauty of the Earth

A welcome and fresh setting of this favorite hymn, John Ferguson’s writing highlights the text with creativity and ease.

Voicing: SATB, Org
Difficulty: Easy
Use: Praise & Thanksgiving; Spring; Thanksgiving

Have Mercy on Me

Clayton White composes a gentle and reverent gospel ballad reflecting on an adaptation of Psalm 51. The choir sings the psalm verses with a solo voice responding, “Have mercy, O God.”

Voicing: SATB, Pno
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Ash Wednesday; Lent & Holy Week; Psalms

Be Not Afraid

In this expressive and moving anthem, Jonathan D. Campbell pairs texts from Isaiah with sweeping melodies and rich harmonies along with a piano accompaniment that adds gentle color.

Voicing: SATB, Pno
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: General; Healing; Ordinary Time

For the Sake of the World: Three Pieces for Choir

A collection of three anthems based on Introductions to the Day from Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

Voicing: 2-part mixed; SAB/3-part mixed; SATB/4-part mixed
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: General

Christ Calls to Me

Anthony Giamanco sets a text by Mennonite poet Adam M. L. Tice in this expressive SATB anthem with lyrical melodies and jazz-inflected harmonies. The text speaks of Christ’s grace-filled blessings to us even when we stray.

Voicing: SATB, Pno
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Confirmation/Affirmation; Ordination; Reformation

Song of Thanksgiving

Tony Ward's paraphrase of Psalm 111 delights in God's beauty, gracious mercy, and endless love.

Voicing: 2-part mixed; Piano
Difficulty: Easy
Use: Epiphany; General

Lord of All Hopefulness

Nancy Grundahl’s reflective setting of this beloved hymn draws the listener to the text by beginning each stanza with a prayerful choral phrase asking for bliss, strength, love, and peace.

Voicing: SATB, Pno
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Evening; General

He Is Born: Il est né

A lively anthem sung in both French and English, perfect for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Voicing: SATB/4-part mixed
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Christmas

Song in the Night

Zach Busch creatively wraps a gentle setting of “Song in the Night” around the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee,” making it suitable for Advent, Lent, or general use. 

Voicing: SAB, Pno
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Advent; Lent & Holy Week

Rise Up and Shine

Richard Clemmitt writes a joyful and energetic setting of the tune NOEL with a text by Carl P. Daw, Jr. Learned with ease, choirs will particularly enjoy the tuneful part-writing of the second stanza.

Voicing: SATB, Org
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Use: Epiphany

The Healing of the Nations

A stunning anthem setting Revelation 22 to music: "The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God...the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." Great for themes of healing, reconciliation, justice, creation, new life and peace.

Voicing: Piano; SATB/4-part mixed
Difficulty: Medium
Use: Easter; General