Concordia Publishing House has commissioned me to write a new setting of Kevin Hildebrand’s hymn tune “Lord of Life” (“O Christ, Who Shared Our Mortal Life”), which will be be included in the forthcoming Piano Prelude Series, volume 6 (tunes beginning with J/K/L). Building upon the success of Hymn Prelude Library, Concordia is now embarking on another exciting project: Piano Prelude Series. Like the Hymn Prelude Library, this collection will feature preludes on all the hymns of Lutheran Service Book, but this time for piano.
The Contrite Heart (Timothy Shaw) added to the Shaw Music catalog
This choral prayer is an original setting of William Cowper’s hymn, first published in the Olney Hymns collection. Working through a complex emotional and spiritual journey, the text ultimately points toward healing in God’s providence. The hymn was superscribed with Isaiah 57:15, “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite’.”
The Star-Spangled Banner (arr. Timothy Shaw) added to the Shaw Music catalog
This exhilarating a cappella rendition of the national anthem of the United States is sure to bring audiences to their feet. Full of harmonic surprises, and featuring an optional coda (tag), this setting will find use during patriotic occasions throughout the year.
Piano Prelude Series vol 4 published by Concordia
Following the successful Hymn Prelude Library series for organ, Concordia has released a new collection of piano preludes based on the hymn tunes found in Lutheran Service Book. This collection features newly composed pieces by dozens of composers who write in a variety of styles and harmonizations. The pieces are useful as preludes, postludes, music at the offering, for introductions, and during distribution, as well as for those who play hymns at home. The durable wire binding ensures that each page lies flat against the music stand. Piano Prelude Series vol 4 (preludes for tunes starting with the letters ‘F’ and ‘G’) includes my setting of {Gelobet seist du} (“We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth“).
Facebook Live Mini-Concert, May 7, 7:30 pm
Tune in Thursday, May 7, 7:30 pm, for a Facebook Live Mini-Concert, featuring Noelle Kelly, soprano. Timothy Shaw’s new Five Short Songs (composed March 28-30, 2020), on poems by Sara Teasdale, will be given its premiere performance. This informal program is being sponsored by Proclamation Presbyterian Church (Bryn Mawr, PA), who are hosting similar events every Thursday through June. To view the concert, click here.
Do Not I Love Thee, O My Lord? published by Augsburg Fortress
Augsburg Fortress has published my anthem, “Do Not I Love Thee, O My Lord?” (SATB, a cappella). This is a sensitive, expressive anthem based on the sturdy early American tune DETROIT, perfectly capturing the deeply personal text that seeks to grow in the love for God. The piece also received an Editors’ Choice designation from JW Pepper.
Publishing (MorningStar) update 4.3.20
MorningStar Music
will publish my newest Christmas anthem, “Love Came Down at Christmas,” on a picturesque text by Christina Rossetti. The original music is scored for Unison Choir (with an optional descant on the final stanza), Piano, and optional Treble Instrument. This piece is scheduled to be published as part of MorningStar’s Fall 2021 release.
Toccata Joyeuse (Daniel Barta) added to the Shaw Music catalog
This advanced organ solo, written for a three-manual instrument, is perfect for the concert stage, recitals, and extra special occasions in worship. Daniel Barta provides a piece that is expansive its design and full of emotional depth, and he allows the organist to explore the full range of the instrument’s color combinations. A delight for performer and listener alike, this work is one you will want to perform repeatedly. Preview the score and listen to an excellent full-length recording here.
Christ’s Nativity (Peter Hilliard) added to the Shaw Music catalog
From Peter Hilliard comes this dynamic musical offering on a text by 17th-century metaphysical, Welsh poet Henry Vaughan. A simple melody is embellished throughout to underscore images from the text, and a horn obbligato sounds the clarion call (“Awake!”). Invest time rehearsing this breathtaking number with your choir—it is well worth the effort. This piece, for SATB choir and horn, won the 2008 Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. Preview the score and listen to an excellent full-length recording here.
Publishing (Augsburg Fortress) update 2.11.20
Augsburg Fortress will publish my original choral setting of “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” (Unison or 2-part, keyboard, violin) as part of their Spring 2021 release. “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” is an anonymous text full of vivid imagery. This original choral setting achieves timbral variety using minimal forces. The anthem is appropriate during Advent and Lent, as well as throughout the year.
