Even When He is Silent

I heard this beautiful anthem today at the Birmingham Unitarian Universalist Church. The church bulletin told us that the words were found on the walls of a concentration camp after World War II. The music was composed by Kim André Arnesen. The anthem is performed here by the St. Olaf Choir at Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway.

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When Morning Stars Together

"When Morning Stars Together" is a relatively new hymn (published in 1966). It is a marvelous and magnificent anthem set on a grand scale. Beginning with a quote from the wisdom book of Job 38:7, the hymn proclaims how praise to God began at creation with the very stars singing out. That praise has taken on various forms through the ages, as the hymn goes on to declare, reminding us at the end that with all of our trained powers and senses, we find our purpose "and in serving fully live."

When the morning stars together

Author: Albert F. Bayly

When the morning stars together
their creator's glory sang,
and the angel host all shouted
till with joy the heavens rang,
then your wisdom and your greatness
their exultant music told,
all the beauty and the splendor
which your mighty works unfold.

When in synagogue and temple
voices raised the psalmists' songs,
offering the adoration
which alone to you belongs,
when the singers and the cymbals
with the trumpet made accord,
glory filled the house of worship,
and all knew your presence, Lord.

Voice and instrument, in union
through the ages, spoke thy praise.
Plainsong, tuneful hymns, and anthems
told your faithful, gracious ways.
Choir and orchestra and organ
each a sacred offering brought,
while, inspired by your own Spirit,
poet and composer wrought.

Lord, we bring our gift of music;
touch our lips and fire our hearts,
teach our minds and train our senses,
fit us for this sacred art.
Then with skill and consecration
we would serve you, Lord, and give
all our powers to glorify you,
and in serving fully live.

What Wondrous Love

"What Wondrous Love," From the collection "Southern Harmony", arr. Robert Scholz. This is an Appalachian hymn, superbly performed by the Choir at St. Olaf College (Anton Armstrong, Conductor).