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

Mary McDonald's SSA arrangement opens this iconic hymn to treble choirs without diluting its power or reverence. The setting maintains the hymn's meditative strength while creating natural, idiomatic writing for women's voices that feels neither forced nor overly simplified. Directors working with developing singers will appreciate how this voicing preserves the song's emotional weight while remaining accessible.

Reverent without being heavy, familiar without being stale. This arrangement invites singers into a moment of genuine reflection; the act of singing it becomes a form of worship rather than a performance of worship. The setting strikes that rare balance where singers feel supported by the voicing while the music itself feels expansive.

SSA and SSAA choirs seeking accessible yet substantive sacred repertoire. This works equally well for high school ensembles building their sacred music foundation, college treble choirs, and community choruses. The arrangement also serves churches looking for a fresh SSA setting of this beloved hymn for special services or recordings.

• Balance the melody between sopranos and altos carefully, especially in moments where both parts carry the tune. The arrangement likely asks for musical independence, so mark entrances clearly in rehearsal.
• Treat the text with intentionality. Vowel consistency across the three parts lifts the sound, particularly on the longer sustained notes where blend becomes audible.
• Shape phrases to the punctuation in the text rather than the barlines. This hymn gains dignity from breathing between clauses, not mechanical phrasing.
• If performing with accompaniment, resist the urge to rush the tempo. This arrangement likely includes moments of stillness that reveal the arrangement's craftsmanship only when given space.

Pair this with other modern hymn arrangements to create a thematic program exploring how traditional texts find new life in contemporary voicings. It also serves beautifully as a concert closer or as part of an all-sacred program without overstating the moment. Consider programming it near the end of a season when your choir has developed the vocal blend and musical maturity the piece deserves.

• Part independence and blend in three-part writing
• Sustaining long phrases with consistent vowel production
• Singing with textual clarity while maintaining legit tone
• Interpreting hymn style with appropriate rubato and phrasing
• Sight-reading moderately complex SSA voicings