Gentry Publications JG2425

JW Pepper;  Although Rosephanye Powell often selects sacred texts for her music, it is the uniqueness of her writing style that enables it to serve both in worship and concert. Ascribe to the Lord, one of her most popular compositions, is now available for SAB choirs. A driving accompaniment and roaring musical lines bring a fresh wind to Psalm 29:1-4.

Ascribe to the Lord (Instrumental Parts ) by | J.W. Pepper Sheet Music (jwpepper.com)

Composer notes:
The A section is the exhortation to worship. The B section is the act of worship. And, the brief return to A is the closing exhortation to depart in worship. The piano accompaniment, centered around the pitch c , with chords interspersed, should be played with rhythmic energy and drive. It was premiered by the Plymouth Music Ensemble and Orchestra under the direction of Philip Brunnelle. So, it may help for the pianist to imagine an orchestra. Of course, the piano is unable to provide the powerful accompaniment that would be provided by an orchestra. However, the piano accompaniment in the B section should set up the sense of awe and stirring waters by means of the tension created in the quick repetition of middle c . In this section, the voices should build until they climax on in the unison singing of “The voice of the Lord is POWERFUL!” Be sure to stress POWERFUL and MAJESTIC. This section is the climax of the piece. The release of tension (created in the B section) occurs at the return of the A section. The song then builds to a final climax with the repeat of WORSHIP HIM, each one more emphatic and louder than the preceding one. The final him should be as emphatic and dramatic as possible.
Note to the director: Let the final “HIM” hang in the air (in silence) before relaxing your arms and the choir.