O God, Your Greatness Is Everlasting
- Text Source: Psalm 145, adapted R. A. Wylie and E. R. Larter
- Worship Use: Praise/Choir Dedication
- Vocal Part(s): Unison, with opt. 2nd pt.
- Vocal Range: f-f’
- Key: B flat major
- Meter: 3/2
- Accompanying Instruments: Organ (or piano) and trumpet in B-flat
Target Age Group: Grades 3-6
Description: Based on the Hornpipe from Handel’s Water Music, beautifully adapted by Evelyn Larter, this lively Baroque anthem is ideal for a choral introit/call to worship, as an anthem of praise or as an anthem for the older children’s choir to sing for Choir Dedication Sunday or Thanksgiving.
Anthem Warm-Ups:
- bars 13-14: “and I will praise you forever”
- bars 27-29: “Therefore my tongue shall sing the praises of my King”
- bars 31-35: sung on “loo” for tuning the intervals between the two parts
Teaching Points:
- Rhythm/Meter: Counting/comprehending 3/2 time
- Tuning: Singing thirds in tune (bars 31-32)
- Music History: Learning about a Baroque dance form - Hornpipe (“a lively dance associated with sailors, typically performed by one person.")
- Music History/Instrumental Exploration: Listening to/watching a variety of organ/orchestral performances of Handel’s Hornpipe on YouTube or DVD.
O God your greatness is everlasting and I will praise you for ever.
Your saints will bless your name and tell abroad your fame.
Therefore my tongue shall sing the praises of my King,
Let people everywhere come join to bless his holy name for evermore.
O God your kingdom and your dominion shall last for ever and ever.
The Lord is near to them that call upon his Name.
Therefore my tongue shall sing the praises of my King,
Let people everywhere come join to bless his holy name for evermore.