Northern Spire
the music of Philip Spaeth
Hear Our Song! Hear Our Prayer!
A Gathering Hymn
for Cantor, Choir, Assembly, and Piano/Organ (2009)
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premiered September 2009
The Church of St. Peter
Saratoga Springs, NY
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Text based on Sirach 36:1-22
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About Hear Our Song! Hear Our Prayer!:
Hear Our Song! Hear Our Prayer! (2009) was composed as a Gathering Hymn, a solid processional piece during which we call upon God to hear the prayers that we are to offer in the liturgy. I composed it specifically, in 2009, to be something of a "theme" for our 2009-2010 choral season at St. Peter's Church in Saratoga Springs, NY, where I serve as Music Director. My goal was to compose a piece that could be programmed, with some degree of regularity, as a dependable gathering hymn during Ordinary Time in the Church Year. After its premiere, as with any successful hymn, it took on a life of its own, and whenever it is programmed, our assembly always sings it with gusto! The text takes its cue from the Book of Sirach, asking God to "give heed, O Lord, to your servant" and "give your peace to those who wait for you." This piece makes for a solid addition to any parish's processional repertoire, no matter the denomination.
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Click on the title page image above to view a sample score.
Performance History
September 2009
world premiere
The Church of St. Peter, Saratoga Springs, NY
Philip Spaeth, Music Director
Programmed for various Sundays in Ordinary Time since 2009
The Church of St. Peter, Saratoga Springs, NY
Philip Spaeth, Music Director