Northern Spire
the music of Philip Spaeth
Kol Hanshamah
(All That Has Breath)
for Assembly, Cantor, SATB Choir, and Organ (2026)
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Setting of Psalms 150 and 84
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Suitable for use as a Communion hymn or choral anthem
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Refrain makes use of both the Hebrew and English of Psalm 150:6
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Composed for the Dedication Mass of the Tellers Opus 993 pipe organ at St. Peter's Church in Saratoga Springs, NY
About Kol Hanshamah (All That Has Breath):
Kol Hanshamah (All That Has Breath) (2026) was composed for the blessing and dedication of the 1965 Tellers Opus 993 Pipe Organ, restored and installed at the Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs, NY, celebrated with a Mass on July 11, 2026. The organ was formerly housed at Temple Concord of Syracuse, NY, a Reform Synagogue, and that history is acknowledged by the use of both Hebrew and English in the Refrain's setting of Psalm 150:6. The verses put Psalm 150 in dialogue with Psalm 84, creating a back-and-forth between the two Psalms. The verses from Psalm 84 are sung in unmetered fashion by a solo cantor, with the choir responding with a festive, metrical setting of verses from Psalm 150. The refrain is set for cantor, choir, and assembly in both Hebrew and English, the brief, transliterated Hebrew text being very easily learned in real time by any congregation. At once contemplative and celebratory of music, song, and the organ, this piece is a beautiful addition to any choral or congregational repertoire!
Click on the title page image above to view a sample score.
Below is a recording of me singing this hymn at the piano. I hope to be able to post a fuller rendering with choir and organ in the near future.
Performance History
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Premiered July 11, 2026, The Blessing and Dedication of the Organ, The Church of St. Peter, Saratoga Springs, NY