Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness

From the mysterious to the glorious, Biery perfectly captures the wide-ranging moods of this text, set to the enduring tune EBENEZER. This hymn concertato was written for the Schola Cantorum of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana in observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. So, it's no surprise that the setting has considerable sweep and gravitas, with some fresh harmonic twists. A beautiful choir-only section spans stanzas three and four in major tonalities that nicely complement the staid minor of the rest of the hymn. The sixth and final stanza is unison with descant and concludes with a choir Alleluia and Amen. Stirring and majestic. Duration4:00 Instrumental Parts include: Trumpet I and II in B-flat and C, Horn in F (substitute for Trombone I), Trombone I and II, Timpani