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Sweet is the Work
SATB, Piano
Challenge Level: Moderate
Sheet Music Sound File
This arrangement of Sweet is the Work makes use of familiar harmony, counterpoint, and unison singing. It also uses the final verse of the hymn which, although seldom sung, carries the powerful message that through the Lord's atonement we can overcome our sins, our fears, and maintain our peace despite Satan's attempts to break it.
The choir introduces this arrangement by singing the first verse very much like it exists in our hymn book, but in a different key and with a few added passing tones. In the second verse, each part in the choir begins singing the melody at a different time in stretto starting with the sopranos and working downward to the basses. The piano then transitions to a new key where the choir sings the last verse in forte unison. The final phrase of the text, "nor Satan break my peace again," is repeated, emphasizing the contrasting words, "break" and "peace."
I think you will enjoy singing this one. One member of our choir remarked, "I never really thought much about this hymn until we sang this arrangement. Now it's my favorite hymn." |
