Dan Forrest has established himself as one of today's most prolific and performed choral composers and arrangers. His gift for crafting singable, emotionally resonant settings has earned him a devoted following among church musicians, community choirs, and concert ensembles across the globe. Forrest's arrangements consistently balance accessibility with musical substance, creating works that challenge singers without overwhelming them.
Why we love this
Forrest's arrangement honors the spiritual depth of this beloved hymn while infusing it with contemporary harmonic language and subtle gospel inflections. The writing sits comfortably for volunteer choirs yet rewards careful attention to voice leading and phrase shaping, making it equally at home in a concert setting or a Sunday service.
What to expect
The arrangement unfolds with quiet reverence, allowing the familiar text to speak while Forrest's harmonies deepen its contemplative mood. There is both intimacy and uplift here, a quality that draws singers and audiences into the meaning of the words rather than merely performing them.
Who it's for
This octavo works beautifully for SATB choirs of all experience levels, from community ensembles to university singers. Directors seeking a sacred arrangement with emotional accessibility and musical substance will find this setting immediately useful.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the alto and tenor lines with particular care; Forrest weaves countermelody material through the lower voices that provides harmonic color without obscuring the tune
Approach the dynamics as emotional markers rather than mechanical changes; let the text guide your interpretive choices from verse to verse
Work the soprano and bass entries separately before bringing sections together, as rhythmic precision in the outer voices anchors the fuller harmony
How to use it
Include this in a sacred music concert or worship service where it can serve as an anchor piece surrounded by contrasting repertoire. Its 15 pages provide substance without excessive rehearsal demand, making it ideal for mixed programs balancing familiar hymnic content with fresh arrangements.
Skills your students will build
Singing sustained phrases with emotional intent rather than technical perfection alone
Balancing independence in four-part harmony while listening to the overall blend
Interpreting text with musical sensitivity across different harmonic contexts
Maintaining accurate pitch and rhythm in countermelodic material
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