The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23): SATB Choral Octavo

Goodall's setting of this ancient psalm avoids both sentimentality and austerity, landing instead in a place of genuine warmth that singers and listeners respond to immediately. The melody is memorable without being simplistic, and the harmonic language supports each voice part with enough independence that singers stay engaged throughout. If your choir needs a piece that works equally well in a concert setting or a service context, this delivers without compromise.

There's a gentle expansiveness to this setting, as though the music is inviting you into a quiet space of reflection rather than commanding it. The melodic line has a folk-song quality that makes the ancient text feel both timeless and immediate, while the harmonic movement underneath provides subtle sophistication that rewards careful listening.

This works for choirs with solid SATB blend but without extensive experience in complex counterpoint. High school choirs, adult community ensembles, and church choirs looking for repertoire that serves both liturgical and concert purposes will find this particularly useful.

• Resist the urge to push the tempo. The warmth of this piece comes from allowing the phrases to breathe and the text to land clearly.
• Pay attention to the text underlay in the lower voices, particularly where the altos and tenors move in counterpoint. Clear diction here prevents muddiness in the inner parts.
• The organ or piano part is essential to the piece's character, not merely supportive. Rehearse with accompaniment early and often so singers can hear how their parts sit within the harmonic landscape.

Consider pairing this with other contemporary sacred works for a program exploring how modern composers approach traditional texts. It also serves beautifully as a liturgical piece in services focused on comfort, assurance, or pastoral themes. The availability of string alternatives means you can reprogram it across multiple seasons with different instrumental textures.

• Singing sustained lines with consistent support and tone color
• Balancing individual voice part independence with ensemble blend
• Text clarity and communication within a harmonic context
• Responsiveness to organ or piano accompaniment as a structural anchor