The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) Cover Image

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

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The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) Cover Image

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

By Howard Goodall

Item: 12-0571520995

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Description
The Lord Is My Shepherd is best known as the theme tune to the award-winning BBC TV series The Vicar of Dibley. Goodall's setting of Psalm 23 is warm and melodious and has been, and will continue to be, popular with choirs everywhere. Alternative accompaniments for strings are also available.

Faber New Choral Works introduces a wealth of new or recently written choral music to choirs in search of fresh repertoire. The series draws in a rich diversity of living composers and includes both lighter and more challenging contemporary works, offering a thrilling array of varied styles.

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Additional Details
Series: Faber Edition
Publisher: Faber Music
ISBN10: 0-571-52099-5
ISBN13: 978-0-571-52099-2
UPC: 9780571520992
SKU: 12-0571520995

More about this title

About the Composer: Howard Goodall

Howard Goodall is a British composer and music broadcaster whose work spans classical composition, television scoring, and music education. He is perhaps best recognized for composing the theme to the beloved BBC series The Vicar of Dibley, which brought his gift for accessible, melodic writing to millions of viewers. His compositions consistently demonstrate a gift for combining musical sophistication with warmth and emotional directness, making his work particularly valuable for choirs seeking pieces that connect with both singers and audiences.

Beyond his concert and television work, Goodall has become influential as an advocate for music education and literacy through his writing and broadcasting. His approach to choral composition emphasizes singability and emotional clarity without sacrificing musical substance, making him a trusted voice among directors looking to build repertoire that challenges singers while remaining genuinely expressive.

Why we love this

This arrangement arrives with genuine warmth rather than sentimentality, which is no small feat when setting one of scripture's most familiar passages. Goodall's melodic gift keeps the piece singable across mixed vocal ranges while preserving the dignity of the text, and the availability of string accompaniment options means you can adapt this to your ensemble's resources and performance space.

What to expect

Goodall's setting unfolds with quiet assurance, the kind of piece that settles into a room rather than demanding attention. The melody carries the emotional weight of the familiar psalm while the harmonic language provides moments of gentle surprise, creating a soundscape that feels both timeless and distinctly crafted.

Who it's for

Directors building a sacred repertoire that works for both concert programs and worship settings, particularly those with SSA or SSAA voicings available. The piece suits intermediate to advanced choirs comfortable with part independence but seeking material that prioritizes musical expression over technical virtuosity.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the vocal lines so the melody emerges naturally without forcing it; this setting works best when the harmonic support breathes underneath rather than competing
  • Pay attention to text underlay in the original publication to ensure diction sits cleanly with the melodic phrasing
  • If performing with piano accompaniment, ensure the accompanist follows the choir's natural phrasing rather than imposing strict metronomic time

How to use it

Pair this with other sacred offerings to create a unified spiritual program, or use it as a centerpiece for a concert exploring different treatments of psalm texts. Its accessibility and emotional resonance make it equally at home in a formal concert setting or an open house where building community with your audience matters as much as technical polish.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing sustained, lyrical melodic lines with expressive control
  • Balancing individual vocal lines within a harmonic texture
  • Interpreting sacred text with musical authenticity rather than overwrought emotion
  • Sight-reading part-independent SSA writing

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