It’s that time of the year: Easter Sunday is past, and the choir year is beginning to wind down - time to start thinking about music for next year! Too soon?
Perhaps you have plans to attend a local reading session this summer or attend a music- or worship-related conference. Maybe you have some time carved out to sit down with a tall glass of sweet tea (or beverage of choice) and listen through those listening CDs that have been filling up your mailbox recently.
Or maybe you haven’t given it much thought yet (read: it’s only April!).
Whatever your plans are, it's always nice to hear about new music and keep a few things filed away for sometime in the future.
Over the years, I’ve shared numerous lists of my favorite anthems for church choirs (of all ages). Several of these lists have been geared toward adult choirs in smaller church settings and include anthems with piano accompaniment, as I recognize that’s a situation that a lot of you are in:
That being said, I know that some of you may be in a situation where you use organ accompaniment instead of piano most weeks and you have a larger adult choir or a group that is capable of singing more advanced music.
If that sounds like you, you’re in luck! Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite choral anthems - all with organ accompaniment.
33 Church Anthems for Choir and Organ
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. What Shall I Offer My God? (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Organ
Based on James 4:10 and Micah 6:6-8, this anthem incorporates the familiar hymn, “Take My Life and Let It Be” (HENDON).
2. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (arr. Gilbert Martin)
SATB Choir with Organ
A stirring setting of this familiar hymn with accessible part-writing and powerful dynamic swells. Great for Lent or Holy Week.
3. Ah, Holy Jesus (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB Choir with Organ
A simple, yet rich setting of the familiar hymn text with beautiful original music. This anthem would be particularly effective during Holy Week.
4. Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise (arr. Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Organ, opt. Brass, Percussion, Piano
Majestic and regal, this anthem features original music with text from Romans 8:31, the traditional LLANFAIR tune with optional congregational participation, and a pairing of both melodies at the end.
5. Risen Today! (Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Piano, opt. Organ and Tambourine
An upbeat, rhythmic setting of Charles Wesley's Easter text with original music by Dan Forrest, this anthem is on the challenging side, but so fun!
6. Thine Is the Glory (arr. Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano, opt. Organ and Brass
A regal setting of this traditional Easter hymn, full of grandeur and majestic part-writing.
7. On the Third Day (Allen Pote)
SATB Choir with Organ, opt. Handbells, Brass, Timpani
This anthem begins with a simple handbell ostinato and unison treble melody (or solo), recalling the events of Good Friday, followed by a powerful reminder that Christ has overcome the grave. Text from the Apostles' Creed acts as a rhythmic verse, marked by a return of the victorious chorus.
8. Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether (arr. Sheldon Curry)
SAB or SATB Choir with Organ
Here is a traditional setting of this well-known hymn. One of my favorite texts!
9. Sing a New Song! (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Organ or Piano with opt. 2 Trumpets, Timpani, and Congregation
A majestic setting of Psalm 96 incorporating the hymn, "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above.”
10. We Believe (Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Piano and/or Organ, opt. Congregation
A new and powerful statement of faith, set to an original hymn tune composed by Dan Forrest. The octavo includes a reproducible part for the congregation to join in on the fourth stanza.
11. Ave Verum (W.A. Mozart/ed. Muller)
SATB Choir with Organ
A choral classic! Perfect for Communion Sundays.
12. Take My Life, That I May Be (Scott Perkins)
SATB Choir with Organ
This anthem by Scott Perkins features lyrical and rich part-writing, while still being accessible for smaller church choirs.
13. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (arr. Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Piano 4-hand or Organ and opt. Handbells, Percussion, and Brass Quintet
A creative interpretation of this joyful carol with sparkling piano 4-hand (or organ) accompaniment, majestic brass, percussion, and handbell parts, and rich choral harmonies, including a soprano descant at the end.
14. The Lord Bless You and Keep You (P. C. Lutkin)
SATB Choir with Organ
This anthem is beautiful as a blessing, anthem, or benediction response. The seven-fold Amen at the end can even be used as its own response throughout the year.
15. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies (T. Frederick H. Candlyn)
SATB Choir with Organ
Lyrical part-writing and rich, regal harmonies mirror Charles Wesley’s text in this classic choral setting.
16. In My Father’s House (Philip Stopford)
SATB Choir with Organ
An exquisite setting of this text from John 14. A recurring chorus serves as an invitation to come and find rest, peace, and wholeness in the house of the Lord.
17. What Sweeter Music (John Rutter)
SATB Choir with Organ
One of John Rutter’s most beloved Christmas anthems; challenging, but rewarding.
18. To the Lamb on the Throne (Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Organ and opt. Brass Quintet and Timpani
With text from the familiar hymn, “Ye, Servants of God” and an emphasis on the phrase, “worthy is the Lamb,” this anthem would be wonderful on Easter Sunday or any of the Sundays that follow.
19. Come, Ye Faithful (R. S. Thatcher)
SATB Choir with Organ
Accessible part-writing, with lots of unison passages, the text of this anthem makes it a great fit for the Sunday after Easter.
20. Soli Deo Gloria (Marty Haugen)
SATB Choir with Organ, Brass Quartet, and Timpani
A celebratory anthem of praise comprised of five verses of powerful, poetic text, each one ending with the statement, “Soli Deo Gloria!”
21. The Servant Song (David Schwoebel)
SATB Choir with Organ
Based on the hymn tune BEACH SPRING, this anthem incorporates the more contemporary text by Richard Gillard and text from Mark 9:35. It works well as part of a missions/outreach-based service, or for Sundays with a Mark 9 lectionary tie-in.
22. O Holy Jesus (Jonathan Willcocks)
SATB Choir with Organ
Here is a gentle, beautiful, and expressive setting of an old 13th-century prayer.
23. For the Beauty of the Earth (John Rutter)
SATB Choir with Organ
A classic, dance-like setting of this familiar hymn text, this anthem is appropriate for use throughout the year.
24. Brother James’ Air (arr. Mack Wilberg)
SATB Choir with Organ
A reflective, pastoral setting of this choral work, this anthem is based on Psalm 23 and would work well for Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday after Easter.
25. Candlelight Carol (John Rutter)
SATB Choir with Organ
A stirring, lullaby-like anthem, this Rutter work would be perfect for a candlelight Christmas Eve service.
26. Hallelujah Chorus (George F. Handel/arr. Hal Hopson)
SATB Choir with Organ
An Easter classic! Sing the original (in D major) from The Messiah, or try this “practical” version arranged by Hal Hopson, featuring a lower key (C major) and a slightly simplified organ part.
27. Breathe On Me, Breath of God (Philip Wilby)
SATB Choir with Organ
An elegant and prayerful musical setting of this familiar hymn, this anthem is appropriate for Pentecost or throughout the year.
28. Wondrous Cross (Philip Wilby)
SATB Choir with Organ or piano
Incredibly moving and reflective, Philip Wilby's original, poignant setting of Isaac Watts’ text would be especially fitting for a Holy Week service. The setting features accessible part-writing with several unison passages.
29. Beneath the Cross of Jesus (arr. Hal Hopson)
SATB Choir with Organ and opt. Oboe, Flute, or Violin
A beautiful instrumental obbligato, minimal organ accompaniment, and sensitive choral writing make this an exquisite anthem choice for Lent or Holy Week. The inclusion of the “Laudamus Te” text and shifting harmonies offer a new perspective on this traditional hymn text.
30. I Will Sing With the Spirit (John Rutter)
SATB Choir with Organ
Based on 1 Corinthians 14:15, this joyful anthem features long lyrical lines and an active, flowing accompaniment.
31. God Be in My Head (Philip Wilby)
SATB Choir with Organ
A nice setting of this prayerful text, the melody has several large leaps that may be challenging for some choirs but may work well as a solo, for a chamber ensemble, or for an advanced adult choir.
32. Before the Marvel of This Night (Carl Schalk)
SATB Choir with Organ
An elegant, quiet Christmas lullaby-like carol, this anthem had a simple verse-chorus structure and beautiful text.
33. Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord (Mark Hayes)
SATB Choir with Organ and Handbells
A joyful and regal setting of Psalm 150, the text of this anthem is augmented by organ accompaniment and sparkling handbells, with a recurring congregational refrain.
I’d love to hear from you:
What are your favorite choral anthems with organ accompaniment?
