Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/765612
95 PSALM 23 – SATB REHEARSAL NOTES We Are Not Alone – You may choose to sing this first appearance of the song a cappella, then with the orchestra later in the cantata. The choir should be articulate and under- stated. The solo should be clear and soaring. I tell choirs to sing this "subliminally" and let the message seep into the listener's soul. The Lord Is My Shepherd – Lean on accidentals as they give the chords color, especially places like m. 12 and 20. Expand slightly on the downbeat of each measure – a broad, spatial waltz. There are lots of final "d's." Marking "dih" will add a graceful clarity. On m. 31, write "fresh" as the women sing with a nice f low and clear tone. On m. 76, write "pas- sion" and lean on downbeats: "people," "sheep," and "pasture." Do the same at m. 84. At m. 89, write "expectantly" and build the underlying intensity until the wave crash at m. 101. At m. 119, write "proclaim." Articulate an explosive "f " cutof f at m. 125. Restore My Soul – At m. 8, write "enjoy the scene" as you experience this song of spiritual renewal. Sing this about six inches of f the f loor; gently and with repose. At the end of verses, mark the word "soul" for a very round vowel and a graceful "lih"on the final "l." At m. 25, write "drama" and interpret the text. On m. 46, circle "release" as the burden lifts with the melody. At m. 55, "strong tone" means to sing with a full bodied tone on the low notes. On m. 66, circle the text and enjoy the ending. Lead Me on the Paths of Righteousness – On m. 29 and 37, write "big voice" and sing with dropped jaw, involving the full body. On m. 41, write "articulate." On m. 70 and 74, write "drama" and internalize the text. On m. 88, circle "kindness." On m. 125, write "drive to the end." Though I Walk through the Valley – Dramatize the many points of contrast in the text. On m. 7, write "lonely" and on m. 11, write "ef fortless." On m. 16, write "sing like ten- ors" for a clear tone. On m. 21, write "enjoy." On m. 25, write "with passion." On m. 38, write "freeze" and experience the power of silence. On m. 39 and 40, circle "sorrow." You Comfort Me – At the beginning, write "minister." Many listeners will need to hear this message. On m. 12, mark a very round "o." On m. 47, place an arch above "guide" for a round tone. On m. 51-52, circle "sorrow" and "trial." For the soprano soloist at m. 54, mark "Celtic" for a pure, clear tone. On m. 71, write "dramatic" and "articulate" as you restate concepts from the psalm. My Cup Overf lows – At your first entrance, write "inner smile" as you celebrate. At m. 23, circle "overf lows" and help the listener feel the motion of the lines. On m. 49, write "bounce" above the tenuto marks. At the end, circle your four notes on "over" to make sure they are heard in the mix. Surely Goodness and Mercy – On m. 9, write "proclaim." On m. 13, draw a line stretch to "EV-er" on m. 15. Feel the swell. On m. 23-25, circle the first syllable on "EV-er" for a nice emphasis. Circle "tested" on m. 29 and "trial" on m. 33. At m. 35, write "start long hill" to prepare for the climax in m. 47. On m. 63, write "winding up the mountain" and enjoy the gradual building in intensity. Strive to transport your listeners with the power of this statement. For Preview Only