All Creatures of Our God and King · Greenwood Chorale · The Gift of Life

The Greenwood Chorale, directed by Paul Brown, closes "The Gift of Life" concert with John Rutter's magnificent arrangement of "All Creatures of Our God and King." This beloved hymn text, originally written by St. Francis of Assisi in 1225 as the "Canticle of the Sun," calls all of creation to praise, from the burning sun and silver moon to the rushing wind and flowing waters. The English translation by William Draper has made this hymn a cherished part of the global choral tradition for over a century. Rutter's setting opens with a festive fanfare and builds to a thrilling conclusion that fills the sanctuary with light. The hymn tune, "Lasst uns erfreuen," is a German Easter hymn published by Friedrich Spee in 1623 and became widespread in English hymn books following a 1906 arrangement by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This performance features an arrangement by our director, Paul Brown, adapted for piano, organ, and percussion accompaniment, creating a full, vibrant sound that showcases the power of community voices raised together. This performance was part of "The Gift of Life," the Greenwood Chorale's Fall 2024 concert celebrating John Rutter's music and the joy of creation. 🎵 From the concert "The Gift of Life" · November 12, 2024 📍 First Presbyterian Church, Greenwood, Mississippi 🎹 Director: Paul Brown 🎵 Piano: Dr. Jung-Won Shin 🎹 Organ: Dr. Robert Knupp 🥁 Percussion: Josh Armstrong, Jason Mathena, Anterius Nisby 🎵 Harp: Marian Shaffer 📽️ Video Recording by ‪@thirdbirdfilms‬ 📧 Interested in singing with the Greenwood Chorale? We are preparing for our 15th Anniversary Concert this December—Vivaldi's Gloria and Magnificat with a 15-piece chamber orchestra. We're looking for voices of all parts. Former members and new singers are welcome. Email our director, Paul Brown: pvbrown.rn@gmail.com 🔔 Subscribe for more performances! #GreenwoodChorale #JohnRutter #AllCreaturesOfOurGodAndKing #TheGiftofLife #ChoralMusic #StFrancis #Hymn #CommunityChoir