Keith Christopher has built a prolific career as composer and arranger with deep roots in sacred music. Since 1992, he has received consecutive ASCAP awards for his publications, and his choral works have earned significant recognition including a Dove Award for More Songs for Praise and Worship and a Gold Record Award for his arrangement work with The Dallas Brass.
Why we love this
Christopher's treatment of this beloved hymn text brings fresh musical vitality while honoring the hymn's spiritual foundation. The SATB setting is accessible enough for developing choirs yet musically substantial enough to engage experienced singers, making it a smart choice for choirs seeking familiar repertoire with contemporary arranging craft.
What to expect
Grounded, steadfast, and affirming. The text conveys unshakeable faith, and Christopher's harmonies support that solidity with clear voice leading and direct harmonic motion. There's warmth here alongside the strength.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves choirs of intermediate ability and above who want to deepen their sacred music repertoire with a standard hymn text given fresh arranging attention. It works equally well in concert settings, worship services, or ecumenical programs.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the soprano line carefully in the opening; Christopher often writes upper voices with rhythmic independence that needs clarity without shrillness.
Shape the harmonic progressions with subtle dynamic shaping rather than dramatic contrasts; let the text and chord movement carry the emotional arc.
Establish a steady tempo in rehearsal and stick with it. This hymn's power comes from its directness, not from interpretive tempo fluctuations.
How to use it
Pair this with other contemporary hymn arrangements or classical chorale settings for a program exploring faith and foundation. It also stands effectively as a concert closer or as part of a sacred music service where the text carries particular relevance.
Skills your students will build
Balancing independent voice lines within hymn-like harmonic structure
Singing sustained notes and phrases with consistent tone quality
Interpreting text expression within a restrained, dignified musical context
Sight-reading four-part SATB textures
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
