The Lord Is My Shepherd: Viola Part

Goodall's setting treats this beloved psalm with genuine reverence while keeping the viola line singable and grateful to play. The writing sits naturally in the instrument's sweet middle register and never asks for technical heroics, letting musicians focus on tone production and ensemble blend. This feels like music written by someone who knows strings from the inside.

Contemplative and grounded. The viola writing moves with quiet assurance, never rushing or drawing attention, yet contributing warmth and harmonic depth to each phrase. There's a sense of steadiness here, of faith reflected in clear, honest melody and supportive string textures.

String orchestras preparing sacred repertoire for worship settings, school concerts, or recordings. Violas of solid intermediate level and above will find the part rewarding without needing advanced technique. Directors seeking music that sounds substantial but remains efficient to rehearse will appreciate Goodall's craftsmanship.

• Find the breath points in the viola line; they often mirror the harmonic cadences. This will help your section anchor the ensemble's phrasing rather than just filling in notes.
• Balance your tone against the other string voices. In sacred music like this, clarity matters more than projection. A well-tuned, singing tone at a moderate dynamic will carry further than a forced one.
• Listen for the harmonic progression beneath your line. Goodall's voice-leading is elegant, and understanding your role in the chord movement will deepen your intonation and musicality.
• If the viola part occasionally doubles another section, lean slightly into that unison rather than sitting apart. Blend creates the unified sound that makes simple, faith-based music resonate.

Program this as the anchor of a sacred string suite, pairing it with complementary psalm settings or hymn arrangements. It also works beautifully as a prelude or offertory for school or community services, and costs minimal rehearsal time relative to its musical impact. Consider using it early in your season as a chance to establish good tone and ensemble balance before tackling more complex material.

• Singing tone production in the middle register
• Harmonic awareness and its connection to intonation
• Ensemble balance and blend in sacred context
• Phrase shaping with minimal dynamic contrast
• Reading straightforward, lyrical string writing