Then Sings My Soul (How Great Thou Art) (arr. Mary McDonald): TTBB Choral Octavo
Then Sings My Soul (How Great Thou Art) (arr. Mary McDonald) Sheet Music Preview

Then Sings My Soul (How Great Thou Art) (arr. Mary McDonald): TTBB Choral Octavo

By Stuart K. Hine / Arranged by Mary McDonald

Item: 35-DS00433639
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$2.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 10
SKU: 35-DS00433639

More about this title

About the Composer: Stuart K. Hine

Stuart K. Hine (1899-1984) was a British musician and composer best remembered for his English lyrics and arrangements of hymns and sacred works. His adaptation of the Swedish melody "How Great Thou Art" became one of the most widely performed versions of this beloved hymn in English-speaking churches and choral programs. Hine's gift was recognizing how traditional melodies could be reimagined for congregational and choral singing while preserving their spiritual essence.

Though Hine composed original works throughout his career, his lasting contribution to music education comes through his thoughtful arrangements and text adaptations. His version of "How Great Thou Art" demonstrates a deep understanding of singability and emotional accessibility, qualities that made sacred music a genuine part of community worship and rehearsal rooms across generations.

Why we love this

Mary McDonald's TTBB arrangement captures the grandeur of this hymn while sitting comfortably for male voices. The ten-page octavo offers enough musical substance to showcase choir maturity without requiring specialized technique, making it a natural choice for spring concerts or services celebrating faith and community.

What to expect

Reverent without being austere, this setting radiates warmth and gratitude. The harmonic language anchors listeners in something timeless while the text reminds singers why this music matters beyond technical accomplishment.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for any male or mixed ensemble seeking repertoire that feels both familiar and freshly arranged. It reaches choirs comfortable with four-part writing who want material that connects spiritually with audiences and singers alike.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the upper two parts carefully in passages where melody and harmony diverge; tenors often need reminding they're not always singing the tune.
  • Let the harmonic rhythm breathe; resist rushing through the slower harmonic changes that give the piece its reflective quality.
  • Shape phrases with a gentle arch rather than maintaining a single dynamic throughout; the text deserves space to resonate.

How to use it

Anchor a spring choral concert or sacred music service with this piece as a closing selection. It also serves well in ecumenical settings or community performances where the familiar melody and profound text create immediate connection with attendees.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading four-part TTBB voicing with independent melodic lines in each section
  • Sustaining pure vowels across full phrases in sacred style
  • Balancing melody and harmony within the same chord
  • Responding to text inflection and emotional phrasing in congregational hymn arrangements

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