How Sweet the Sound

How Sweet the Sound

Kyle Pederson (2016)

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Voicing: SATB divisi, with male soloist
Accompaniment: piano or a cappella
Text:

I found myself in trouble
I could not sing, oh I was wallowing
when I found myself in trouble.
I got no one left to blame
How could I sing when I was wallowing?

I got no one left to blame.
I hung my head in shame
How could I sing, oh I was wallowing
As I hung my head in shame.

Grace on grace we have all received
when the Son sets you free
you are free indeed.

Rise and walk,
hang your head no more
when the Son sets you free
you are free indeed.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound--
saved a soul like me.

I am covered by His grace.
How sweet the sound.

Notes:

This spiritual witnesses to soul-freeing grace. The soloist and choir affirm that no trouble, no shame, no valley is too deep for the healing gift and power of grace. The text pairs the core message of Newton's "Amazing Grace" with elements of the Gospel of John, and brings them to life in this thrilling musical setting.

Recording Choir: David Ostenso Moore directing the First Readings Project
Audio Note: Audio will not match the score precisely (a few voicing and text revisions since recording)