Rest (from These Ancient Words): Choral Instrumental Pak
By Heather Sorenson
Item: 35-PK01575099
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Description
Lush harmonies and elegant accompaniment patterns support the lyrical melody, inviting the listener to come to the Savior for rest and healing. This fourth movement from the extended work "These Ancient Words" comes straight from Matthew 11:28-30. Written for SATB, accompanied by piano or chamber orchestration.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01575099
More about this title
About the Composer: Heather Sorenson
Heather Sorenson has built a reputation as a composer and arranger whose work spans sacred and contemporary idioms with equal fluency. Based in Dallas, Texas, she has earned commissions from major institutions including Texas A&M University, the Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall, while maintaining an active presence in churches and concert halls worldwide. Her background as a concert pianist informs her orchestration and writing for keyboard, giving her scores a distinctive harmonic richness.
Beyond composing, Sorenson is deeply committed to music education. She has taught elementary music, served as adjunct faculty at Baylor University, and regularly leads workshops at conferences and universities across the country. Her generosity as a mentor and clinician reflects a lifelong investment in developing the next generation of musicians. In her community work, she frequently arranges benefit concerts for nonprofits close to her heart.
Why we love this
Sorenson's gift for lyrical writing shines throughout this movement. The interplay between vocal line and accompaniment never overshadows the text, making it an excellent choice for choirs seeking spiritual depth without technical overreach. The optional chamber orchestration opens programming possibilities across worship services, concerts, and combined choral events.
What to expect
Rest settles into the listener like an invitation to pause and breathe. The lush harmonies create a sense of warmth and shelter, while the lyrical melody feels both intimate and timeless. The accompaniment patterns move gently underneath, never rushing, creating space for the profound text to take hold.
Who it's for
This movement works for church choirs of intermediate ability, school choirs seeking sacred repertoire with substance, and any ensemble drawn to Sorenson's accessible yet sophisticated harmonic language. The option to perform with piano alone or chamber orchestration makes it flexible for various performance contexts and instrumental resources.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the piano accompaniment to support without drowning the choir. The elegant patterns Sorenson writes deserve clarity, but the voices must remain the focal point of this devotional text.
- Shape the phrase arcs through the lush harmonies by listening for the harmonic rhythm underneath the surface. Let the chord progressions breathe rather than rushing.
- If using the chamber orchestration, rehearse instrumental parts with the choir early. The orchestral doubling can anchor intonation, especially in sustained chords.
- The text invites introspection. Encourage singers to find the spiritual intention behind each phrase, which will naturally inform pacing and expression.
How to use it
This fourth movement stands beautifully as a standalone anthem for Lenten or contemplative services, or pair it with other movements from "These Ancient Words" for a complete concert work. Its reflective character makes it an ideal centerpiece for a spiritual music evening or a powerful closer to a choral concert program.
Skills your students will build
- sustaining legato phrasing across extended phrases
- singing in lush, contemporary harmonic contexts with secure intonation
- responding to text expression within a devotional context
- blending with instrumental accompaniment (piano and chamber ensemble)