Still, Still, Still

I wrote many iterations of this over the years; from a women's vocal trio to men's quartet, but for some reason I never wrote this as a solo. This is one of my favorite Christmas carols, a sweet Austrian carol. I wrote this for piano and a C instrument. to play it.

MP3: Still, Still, Still

PDF: Still, Still, Still

Prayer

The text from this hymn originates from the poet Eliza M. Hikok (1933) and was one of the favorite  poems quoted by President Ezra Taft Benson (1956). I set the words to a plaintive hymn of - prayer.

I know not by what methods rare,

but this I know, God answers prayer.

I know that He has given His word,

which tells me prayer is always heard

and will be answered, soon or late.

And so I pray and calmly wait.

I know not if the blessings sought,

will come in just the way I thought;

but leave my prayers with Him alone,

whose will is wiser than my own,

assured that He will grant my quest,

or send some answer far more blessed.

MP3: Prayer

PDF: Prayer

Peace

I wrote this back in 2023, and finally am posting it. The music is peaceful and reflects the words of the Savior to His disciples and is taken from John 14:27. It is set for SATB with a soprano solo. It is intended to be sung unaccompanied.

Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give to you:

not as the world gives

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.

MP3: Peace

PDF: Peace

What is this Thing That Men Call Death?

This is taken from a poem by President Gordon B. Hinckley. I set it as a plaintive hymn.

What is this thing that men call death,
This quiet passing in the night?
'Tis not the end, but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light.

O God, touch thou my aching heart,
And calm my troubled, haunting fears.
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure,
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change,
With recompense for vict'ry won.
The gift of him who loved all men,
The Son of God, the Holy One.

MP3: What is this thing that men call death

PDF: What is this thing that men call death

The Shepherds

Here is an upbeat composition for SATB for Christmas. It talks about the nativity from the shepherds perspective.

The shepherds tending to their flocks one dark and lonesome night.

While sheep were grazing on the plains, the moon; only source of light.

The shepherds kept a watchful eye upon their precious fold,

to keep them safe, secure from harm, from the winds and from the cold.

A light appeared quite suddenly; a new star shown in might,

'twas bright and strong, its beams shone down and pointed to a site.

Then heavily guides appeared and bade to Bethlehem, go with haste,

a child is born this blessed eve, it is Christ, the newborn babe.

The shepherds ran quickly to see a child in swathing bands.

They know at once, the promise kept, Messiah! mortal man.

Oh run and fall before your Lord to worship Him and sing,

our Lamb of God, beloved One, He is the King of Kings!

He is the King of Kings!

King of Kings!

MP3: The Shepherds

PDF: The Shepherds

Enter This Door

This piece has been in my brain for over 30 years and finally I had the opportunity to score it. It is inspired by a plaque in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Washington DC Temple. It is attributed to President Spencer W. Kimball are reads:

Enter this door as if the floor were gold;
and every wall of jewels all of wealth untold;
As if a choir in robes of fire were singing here;
No shout, nor rush, but hush, for God is here.

MP3: Enter This Door

PDF: Enter This Door

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

When I sang with The Tabernacle Choir of Temple Square, I had the privilege of singing many beautiful compositions and arrangements. When I retired from the choir (released from the calling of a musical missionary after serving for 20 years, or age 60 - whichever occurs first), I was sad to not sing that wonderful music, but was elated that some of that music is being included in the new Hymns for Home and Church. 

This piano arrangement is the result of one of those beautifully arranged hymns. My Shepherd Will Supply My Needs is a fresh variation of the 23rd Psalm.

I hope it conveys peace to you.

My Shepherd will supply my need

Jehovah is His name. 

In pastures fresh He makes me feed 

beside the living stream. 

He brings my wand’ring spirit back 

when I forsake His ways 

And leads me for His mercy’s sake 

in paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death,

Thy presence is my stay;

One word of Thy supporting breath

drives all my fears away.

Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,

doth still my table spread.

My cup with blessings overflows;

Thine oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God

attend me all my days.

O may Thy house be mine abode

and all my work be praise!

There would I find a settled rest

while others go and come—

No more a stranger nor a guest,

but like a child at home.

PDF: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

MP3: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need