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View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the score of this work. For perusal only -- not printable.
(Photograph of the choir of the United Church of Rowayton receiving the published scores of this work)
Commissioned by the United Church of Rowayton, CT to honor their Music Director, Marsha Hall, on her 40th year of music-making at the church
The lyrics for the hymns in the Sacred Harp song book are often colorful, charming and singable. The text for A Glad New Song is no exception. Credited to Jonathan B. Atchinson in 1891, these words are filled with enthusiasm for singing, and the joy of faith:
I've learned to sing the song of joy.
My cup is running o'er and o'er
with blessings full of peace and love.
And still there's more and more.
The musical setting is new, but in a clear and simple style that hearkens back to early American shape-note singing. The harmonies are straightforward, and the rhythmic piano accompaniment serves to maintain the energy of the message. Perhaps one might find in this song some elements of the past mixed with contemporary fresh air!
Notes by the composer