Bert Stratton's compositional voice emerged from a lifetime of listening intently to how melody and text intertwine. From childhood piano lessons through advanced study at Ithaca College, he developed a meticulous approach to harmony, modulation, and form. His early breakthrough came when Pat Boone recorded one of his songs as a title cut, opening doors to publications with major houses including Shawnee Press, Carl Fischer, and Alfred. Over decades, Stratton has built a catalog of hundreds of compositions across multiple genres, recorded four original CDs, and earned membership in ASCAP.
Stratton's relentless pursuit of craft and his attention to the marriage between words and music drive every piece. His recent full-time move to Nashville reflects a deep commitment to songwriting that has already yielded thousands of recordings sold worldwide. For directors seeking sacred music with strong melodic integrity and accessible harmonic language, his work consistently delivers.
Why we love this
Stratton and Courtney have created a unison setting that trusts the power of a single melodic line without sacrificing musical substance. The piece unfolds with clear narrative purpose, making it ideal for choirs working on blend and diction without the complexity of part independence. It serves equally well as a concert closer or as a teaching tool for directors building toward more intricate sacred repertoire.
What to expect
The piece carries the quiet dignity of storytelling grounded in faith. Unison allows the narrative to unfold with clarity and directness, creating space for the text to resonate fully with both singers and listeners. There is warmth without sentimentality, reverence without heaviness.
Who it's for
Any choir seeking a sacred piece that builds ensemble cohesion through unison singing while maintaining musical substance. It works equally well for developing choirs working on fundamental blend and diction, or for experienced groups looking for a reflective moment in a concert program.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the melodic line with intentional phrasing; resist the urge to sit on unison notes. Encourage singers to breathe where the text naturally suggests a thought break rather than at every rest.
Balance text clarity against sustained singing. In unison, every consonant and vowel becomes visible to the audience, so careful articulation work pays immediate dividends.
Let the harmonic accompaniment support the story rather than dominate it. A light, clear accompaniment allows the singers' voices to project the message.
How to use it
Place this as a centered moment in a concert where its unison texture will offer contrast to fuller voicings. It serves particularly well in services of worship or sacred concerts where a narrative-driven selection can deepen the liturgical arc. Consider pairing it with other Stratton compositions to build a themed set.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining a single melodic line with consistent pitch and tone quality
Articulating text clearly within a unison texture
Phrasing and breath management across longer musical phrases
Listening to harmonic support while maintaining independence of the melody
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