SOFTLY AND TENDERLY

Collage of Excerpts

I. SOFTLY AND TENDERLY
A quiet setting expressing the longing of the Savior for us to “come home.” Beginning with unison men over a simple Copland-esque accompaniment, it contains both the traditional harmonization familiar to audiences, as well as some brief, striking sojourns to remote tonalities used to underscore texts such as “though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon.”

II. THERE IS A FOUNTAIN – ARE YOU WASHED
An a cappella medley of the title hymn along with “Are You Washed?” and “Nothing But The Blood.” It begins slowly and softly with unison women singing the opening phrase “There is a fountain….” Later, the tempo picks up into a camp-meeting style for the other two hymns.

III. WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
A cappella. Austere and stately. The first verse is set with the traditional harmonization, the second verse is dramatically re-harmonized to paint the text “See from His head, His hands, His side.”

IV. AMAZING GRACE COLLAGE
A joyous, celebratory, up-tempo setting that weaves numerous quotes of other hymns into the fabric of John Newton’s beloved text.
Amazing grace – how sweet the name of Jesus sounds
That saved a wretch like me – blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
I once was lost – love lifted me – and now I am found
Amazing grace – how sweet the name of Jesus sounds.
Jesus loves me this I know
Fallen ones to Him belong
We are weak, but He is strong!
There’s just something about that name
Twas grace that brought me safe this far
I’m leaning on the everlasting arms,
Amazing grace – how sweet the name of Jesus sounds