Fanfare for the House of God

For SATB chorus (a cappella with tenor and soprano solos) based on sacred text (from Psalm 48; music and the Sarum Rite of the early English church)
Length: 3:30
Difficulty rating (1-5): 4
​Published by Yelton Rhodes Music, Inc.

• Commissioned by St. James' Church, Los Angeles, CA, for their Diamond Jubilee. Premiered by the St. James’ Choir.​
• Finalist, Ithaca College Choral Composition Contest

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Fanfare for the House of God features extended chant solos for tenor and significant solo work for soprano, with a "showstopper" high A at the work's climax. It was commissioned by St. James’ Church, Los Angeles (known today as St. James-in-the-City), for their Diamond Jubilee service. The words I was asked to set included text from the Sarum rite of the early English Christian church; I included an excerpt of the original chant which set the text in the piece as well. The nature of the text and music make it appropriate for use on Easter and other celebratory occasions, in a variety of liturgical traditions and settings, and even in circumstances that are not specifically religious. Fanfare has been performed effectively by church, collegiate, and high school choirs.

How wonderful is God in his holy places! The God of Israel, giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!

We have waited in silence on your loving kindness, O God, in the midst of your temple.

Your praise, like your name, O God, reaches to the world's end; your right hand is full of justice.

How wonderful is God in his holy places! The God of Israel, giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!

Antiphon/Psalm 48:8-9

Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and the Spirit of God dwelleth within you: for the temple of God is holy, which temple are ye: for the love of whom ye do this day celebrate the joys of the temple with a season of festivity. O how dreadful is this place. This is the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

Antiphons of the Feast of Dedication
Sarum Rite

For gender-neutral language, the following adaptations are suggested:
How wonderful is God in God's holy places! The God of Israel giving strength and power to God's people ... (mm. 1-3, 22, 35-37)
Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with you ... (mm. 5, 31-32)