It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (with "Great Is Thy Faithfulness") (arr. Joseph M. Martin): SATB Choral Octavo

Joseph M. Martin's arrangement pairs a beloved gospel standard with "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" in a way that feels organic rather than forced. The medley structure gives choirs a chance to explore two distinct emotional landscapes within a single preparation, and the SATB writing sits comfortably for mixed ensembles of varying ability.

Warmth and assurance permeate this piece. The opening feels intimate and conversational, drawing listeners into personal testimony, while the hymnic second half broadens into congregational affirmation. The overall character is one of gentle conviction rather than bombast.

This arrangement serves choirs preparing music for worship services, special events, or concert programs where a bridge between gospel idiom and hymnic tradition strengthens the setlist. Both community and church choirs benefit from the accessible ranges and straightforward harmonic language.

• Balance the soprano line prominently during the opening statement of "It Is No Secret" so the melody registers clearly; the harmonic foundation matters less here than the tune's recognizability.
• Approach the transition into "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" as a moment of reflection. A slight ritardando and careful attention to breath placement will help the shift feel intentional rather than abrupt.
• Lock the alto and tenor voices during moments where they carry inner harmonic motion; these lines can easily blur if not precisely articulated.
• Consider the text painting opportunities in the lyrics about faithfulness and assurance. Subtle dynamic shaping will reinforce the theological arc without oversinging.

Program this in the second half of a concert when audiences have settled into listening mode, or incorporate it into a sacred music service where the theological content of both texts supports your liturgical arc. The 15-page length makes it substantial enough to anchor a set without overwhelming rehearsal time.

• Singing through key relationships and harmonic transitions
• Interpreting text with emotional authenticity in contrasting musical styles
• Balancing solo material (soprano melody) with ensemble responsibility
• Understanding the medley form and how thematic coherence develops across distinct sections