O How Amiable (Psalm 84)

Recorded at St. Mary's Cathedral, Portland, Oregon, by the Trinitas Choir; James Denman, producer; Angela Westhoff-Johnson, conductor; Maria Karlin, soloist; Mike Moore, recording engineer. The tempo taken for this recording is only a suggestion - a slightly faster tempo works equally as well, depending on the space in which the piece is sung.

Order through OCP (edition # 30121275)

SATB a cappella (or with light keyboard accompaniment)

Usage 

  • General
  • Dedication or Anniversary of a Church
  • Funerals 
  • Topics: Church, Heaven 

Scripture Reference 

  • Psalm 84:1 

Background 

  • Commissioned for the presbyterial ordination of Charles (Chad) Francis Hart III, August 6, 2011, St. Francis Anglican Church, Portland, Oregon
 

"In just 34 measures you have created a thing of beauty. Congratulations!" —Barbara Bridge

 

    Rouen Cathedral by Claude Monet


    "There are so many things I love about this piece. First, its length. Just thirty-four measures long, this new setting of O How Amiable is an ideal duration for a liturgical anthem. Second, its simplicity. The effortless beginning of the piece sets the tone in a mysterious and calming way. Crandal begins with a soprano solo or section intoning the phrase that is indeed the foundation for the entire setting. Third, its range. It is perfect for choirs of varying abilities. Scored for a cappella SATB choir, it provides cue-size notes as options a few times throughout the piece when the notes may be a stretch for some choirs. For a fuller choral sound, consider singing all the notes together, which can result in moments of a rich six-part texture. Sustaining through two long phrases in the climax of the piece might be the biggest challenge for smaller choirs. However, most SATB choirs will find this setting approachable. Taken from Psalm 84, the text of “O How Amiable” is one that every choir should have in its repertoire. There are multiple uses throughout the year, including funerals, a dedication or anniversary of a church, the feast of the Dedication of Saint John Lateran, and when the readings touch on the beauty of heaven, making this choral anthem a deserving addition to all choral libraries." —Angela Westhoff-Johnson (as printed in Today's Liturgy, June, 2014)

    from the collection