May the Words of My Mouth: SATB Choral Octavo

This arrangement captures something essential about the text through its harmonic choices and voice leading. Goldstaub avoids the predictable path, letting the words breathe while maintaining musical sophistication that will keep your singers engaged through rehearsal and performance.

Contemplative and grounded. The a cappella setting creates intimacy, inviting listeners into a quiet moment of reflection. There's strength in the harmonic language without sentimentality, offering dignity to the words.

This octavo works for intermediate to advanced choirs seeking sacred repertoire that functions in both liturgical and concert settings. It's ideal for groups with solid intonation and a willingness to explore lyrical interpretation.

• Attend to the syllabic text setting; clarity of diction at natural speech pace will strengthen the piece's direct communication. Rush the tempo and you lose the meditative quality.
• Balance the soprano line carefully when it sits above the other three voices. This is the natural focal point, but it shouldn't overshadow the harmonic foundation beneath it.
• Shape phrases toward the text's emotional peaks rather than forcing mechanical breathing patterns. Let the punctuation guide your phrasing choices.

Pair this with other sacred selections for a concert devoted to texts of faith and intention. It also serves as a compelling anthem for worship services or as a reflective piece late in a concert program where the audience has settled into attentive silence.

• Independent vocal lines within four-part harmony
• Text interpretation and phrasing in a cappella settings
• Intonation balance without instrumental support
• Harmonic listening and blend within SATB voicing