Rock of Ages (June 24, 2007)

A new arrangement and setting of the traditional text (for solo voice and piano). This was recorded live during a church service, so please excuse the pops, fuzz, and other anomalies.

Reconciled (Avirodha) (June 13, 2006)

Thoughts from reading Romans 5:1-2.

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How Kind is Grace (Charis) (April 24, 2005)

A reflection on Titus 2:11-14.

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Every Good Gift (Good Gifts) (Nov 30, 2004)

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1.16-17, NASB).

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Communion Hymn (Eucharist) (Oct 11, 2004)

An hymn celebrating the memorial Christ gave us of his sacrifice.

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The Branch of the Lord (Branch Canon) (July 20, 2004)
Canon Only

In Isaiah 4, there is a pause in the midst of repeated promises of impending judgment. Here, God promises that one day he will make all who are yet alive in the land of Israel holy. This passage is probably Messianic in nature; one of the titles of the Messiah is the Branch or Shoot of David.

This setting sort of came to me as I was driving home from work one day. It is a two-voice canon I have filled out to four parts. This is my first real attempt at something canonic so it's a little rough, but overall not too bad.

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Be Thou Exalted

Be Thou Exalted (Annis) (June 24, 2004)
Be Thou Exalted (Wonder) (May 2004)

This is perhaps one of the finest hymn texts that F.J. Crosby ever wrote. Sadly, it remained in obscurity for many years. The late Alfred Smith recognized the value of the text and wrote a setting that has over the years enjoyed some popularity. As I am quite untrained, I would not normally take issue with an hymnist of Mr. Smith's stature. However, when I first heard his setting nearly a year ago I found myself questioning whether its jovial bounciness properly suits the spirit of this deeply worshipful lyric. I submit that we can do much better and I offer these two attempts of mine in hopes that we can treat this text more appropriately.

The first is in three (a natural fit to the meter of the text). In it, I have tried to create an impression of the majesty suggested especially in the first stanza. It is fairly simple and may be suitable for congregational singing. I have only roughly sketched out the second tune; it has yet to be edited or refined at all. It is in four so the rhythm is much freer and the parts are fairly independent. I'm attempting with this setting to capture the sense of adoration found in some of the last lines of the refrain: Saints in their anthems of rapture adore Thee.... This setting would likely prove difficult for a congregation to sing.

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The Spacious Firmament (Creation)

Brass and Organ

Not by Any Will Our Own (Chosen) (April 2004)

A hymn on God's sovereignty in election.

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Psalm 90 (Fall 2003)

This Psalm of Moses is a personal favorite of mine. The hymn O God Our Help in Ages Past is based on this psalm, but the text seems to lend itself to its own setting.