All Creatures, Sing Praise: Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by William Henry Draper / Arranged by John Purifoy
Item: 35-PK00315435
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More about this title
About the Artist: William Henry Draper
William Henry Draper (1855-1933) was an English clergyman and hymnodist whose gifts as a poet and musician shaped congregational worship across the Anglican tradition. His text for "All Creatures of the Earth and Sky" ranks among the most beloved English hymn poems, drawing inspiration from the Canticle of St. Francis and distilling medieval spirituality into language that feels both reverent and accessible to modern singers.
Why we love this
Purifoy's orchestration captures everything that makes this hymn text sing: the text unfolds with momentum, the harmonic language feels both sturdy and generous, and the optional brass and handbell parts transform a congregational standard into something that commands attention without losing its essential warmth. The arrangement respects the hymn's dignity while giving your ensemble genuine reasons to dig in.
What to expect
This arrangement radiates confidence and joy without veering into sentimentality. The brass adds brightness and ceremonial weight, while the handbell options bring a shimmering quality that feels celebratory without overwhelming. Throughout, there's an infectious sense of a community singing together in genuine praise.
Who it's for
Choirs preparing for services centered on creation care, thanksgiving, or Christ the King celebrations will find this setting both musically substantive and spiritually direct. Directors seeking a festive processional or opening hymn that works equally well in traditional and contemporary services will appreciate how accessible it remains while offering instrumental depth.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the brass strategically through the verses. The trumpet parts should enhance the hymn tune rather than overpower it; let the choir's foundation remain audible even during fuller moments.
- If you're using handbells, rehearse the handbell part with your choir early enough that singers hear how the part complements their melodic line. This prevents the bells from feeling like an add-on.
- Shape the text naturally through the arch of each phrase. The language carries its own rhetorical momentum, so trust the words to guide your pacing rather than pushing artificially for energy.
- Consider the acoustic of your space when deciding how much tutti sound you want in the opening. A smaller sanctuary may need a lighter touch on full sections than a cathedral would.
How to use it
Use this as a triumphant service opener when the liturgy focuses on God's creation or sovereignty. The optional instrumentation also makes it flexible enough to repurpose as a strong hymn closer for a secular community event or school assembly.
Skills your students will build
- Singing harmonic progressions in block chord settings
- Balancing vocal line against instrumental counterparts
- Phrasing hymn text with natural rhetorical weight
- Responding to textual imagery through dynamic shape