Description
Don has taken this hymn and given it a fresh treatment by altering the original rhythm--the move to the minor mode and use of syncopated stanzas creates a new rendering of this tune and text. Juxtaposed with these newer statements is a return to the more traditional. Also, the modulation to C major and the ‘a cappella’ moments allow this stanza to be set apart, bringing the arrangement of Charles Wesley’s text to an end.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within.

Editor's Notes
The syncopation needs to be relaxed so that the words are not punched—-otherwise, the text will lose its sincerity. When the men’s voices sing the unison with the treble, the lower voices need to hold back so as not to overpower the women’s singing. Perhaps a ‘sotto voce’-type treatment would be the best approach. Also work the chordal sections so that they are warm and full, a nice complement to the earlier treatment of the hymn. Especially take liberty with pages 6 and 7, allow the choir to ‘gel’ at this point in the anthem. Rehearse this section with ‘oohs’ to help warm it up.

The imagery of this text would be quite effective by adding someone to sign the words during the anthem. The visual statement would flow beautifully with this piece--notice the descriptive words that would be enhanced by this: fly, storm, rise the fallen, cheer the faint, etc. Don’t be afraid to add this dimension, it also allows another to use their gifts as well as the musical ones from the choir.

User License
The purchaser of this file has permission to print one copy of the file for each license purchased. The electronic file may not be sold, copied, or transferred to another person or church. The purchaser may make a backup copy of the file.

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