David Lantz III teaches vocal music full time in Pennsylvania's public school system while maintaining an extraordinarily active composing career. His catalog of roughly 500 published works spans sacred and secular choral music, orchestral compositions, symphonic band arrangements, jazz ensemble pieces, and chamber music across major American publishers.
Beyond the page, Lantz serves as a church choir director and performs regularly as a bassist and vocalist in pop and jazz settings. He lives in northeastern Pennsylvania with his wife, composer Marti Lunn Lantz, and their five musically engaged children.
Why we love this
Lantz brings a songwriter's sensibility to this Easter text, crafting a melody that lives comfortably in the voice while maintaining genuine harmonic interest. The piece respects the liturgical weight of the words without demanding excessive rehearsal time, making it accessible for volunteer choirs and school ensembles alike.
What to expect
Rose of God carries a reflective quality, neither bombastic nor overly sentimental. The harmonic language unfolds with quiet confidence, creating space for singers to inhabit the meaning behind the words rather than simply producing sound.
Who it's for
This octavo suits choirs ranging from high school to adult community ensembles seeking an Easter anthem with poetic substance and musical integrity. It works equally well for directors programming a single special music moment or building a small Easter service around pieces of varied character.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the text clarity across all four voices; the harmonic movement should support rather than obscure the message of the poem.
Approach dynamics as a subtle gradient rather than dramatic shifts. Lantz's writing rewards singers who shape phrases with breath and intention.
Consider the accompaniment as a collaborative partner, not a foundation to build on top of. Let it breathe where the voices breathe.
How to use it
Position this as a moment of contemplation within a larger Easter service or concert program. Its modest length and emotional reserve make it ideal pairing with more jubilant processional pieces, allowing your program to breathe and build toward a broader celebration.
Skills your students will build
Blending vowels across four-part harmony
Sustaining long phrases with minimal accompaniment support
Interpreting musical punctuation through diction and phrasing
Reading SATB voicing with clear voice independence
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