Ancient Words (with Amazing Grace): Choral Instrumental Pak
By John Newton / By Lynn DeShazo / By Edwin O. Excell / Arranged by Phillip Keveren
Item: 35-PK00041403
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Description
The familiar Lynn DeShazo worship song is masterfully arranged by Phillip Keveren, interwoven with the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace." Keveren's tender and expressive choral treatment beautifully expresses the assurance of God's unfailing love and guidance in all we do.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00041403
More about this title
About the Composer: John Newton
John Newton (1725-1807) was an English clergyman and hymnodist whose spiritual journey from skepticism to deep Christian faith shaped some of the most enduring sacred texts in English. His conversion experience and work as a slave ship captain turned minister gave him profound empathy for human struggle and redemption. "Amazing Grace" stands as his most celebrated contribution to congregational singing, embodying the theological and emotional sincerity that defined his approach to hymn writing.
Why we love this
Phillip Keveren has created something genuinely fresh here by weaving two distinct sacred narratives together without diminishing either one. The chamber voicing keeps this intimate enough for smaller ensembles while the arrangement's harmonic language feels contemporary and singable, not antiquated. It's the kind of pairing that works because the two melodies share emotional DNA rather than just fitting together mechanically.
What to expect
Tender and assured. The arrangement unfolds with a sense of grace that feels earned rather than sentimental, allowing space for reflection alongside moments of quiet conviction. You'll feel the hymn's timelessness resonate within a contemporary harmonic context that honors rather than disrupts its core.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking repertoire that bridges traditional and contemporary worship styles will find this arrangement speaks naturally to both constituencies. It works particularly well for communities where "Amazing Grace" holds deep meaning but the ensemble wants to express that faith in a modern musical language.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the choir and instruments so neither drowns out the interweaving melodies; the beauty lives in hearing both hymn and contemporary worship song clearly.
- Shape phrases with rubato in the hymn sections to honor the reflection inherent in "Amazing Grace," then find a steadier pulse when the DeShazo material takes over.
- Pay attention to text clarity in both the English text and any harmonic moments where voices cluster; enunciation preserves the lyrical intention Keveren built in.
How to use it
This pairs beautifully in a service of reflection or remembrance, where the familiar anchor of "Amazing Grace" can ground an audience before introducing them to the DeShazo text. It also works as a closing statement to a concert that explores faith themes across different musical eras. Consider programming it when you want to affirm your community's values without didacticism.
Skills your students will build
- Singing layered melodic material that moves at different rhythmic rates
- Blending contemporary harmonic language with traditional hymn-singing technique
- Balancing blend and diction when multiple text layers occur simultaneously
- Responding to subtle dynamic and expressive shifts that convey theological meaning