Speaking of good things coming out of SoundForth, I recently received a choral demo from them featuring the music of David Rasbach.
First, go right now and order this CD and add it to your choral collection. It is excellent. It is only $6. It is professionally recorded, features the Bob Jones Academy Chorale (which Rasbach directs, and whose sounds is better than almost any adult choir I’ve heard), and is one of the best chorale recordings I know of. This is no “demo” recording; this is a God-glorifying, uplifting, enriching CD. Other than the superb choral sound, what I like about this is that it is simply and beautifully accompanied only by piano. In my opinion, sometimes “immodest” orchestrations can get in the way of the message, but not with this one.
Next, order some of this music for your church. It’s certainly challenging stuff, but my opinion is that most choirs can do almost anything if they put the effort into it. I’ve proven that with a 16 voice, amateur church choir, and I’ve heard of similar choirs performing Messiah. Just don’t demand that the choir sing every service, and put work into some really fine music like this.
I have permission to post audio of these pieces here. So here are the 6 pieces on the recording, along with links to the octavos:
How Can I Keep From Singing?
Audio | Octavo
Sing, O My Heart
Audio | Octavo
It is Good to Sing Your Praises
Audio | Octavo
A Place of Quiet Rest
Audio | Octavo
Prince of Peace, Control My Will
Audio | Octavo
© 2008, Scott Aniol. All rights reserved.
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5 Responses to The Music of David Rasbach
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I was in the BJA Chorale when we recorded the demo, and at the time we recorded those songs, it seemed such a pain to record them just for a demo. However, Mr. Rasbach did not let us lose sight of the fact that the recording could be a blessing to someone, and if it even blessed only one person, then it was worth the effort. Thank you so much for sharing the encouragement that the demo was to you.
Thanks for your comment, Amanda. In my mind, this is no demo. This is a wonderful, spiritually enriching recording! I recommend it often.
I was also in the chorale that recorded this CD. It is indeed encouraging to know that our recording has reached people and is a blessing, rather than just a demo cd.
I wrote alternative particular grace verses (the original leans a little too much to general grace for me) to this Shaker Hymn. You can watch it at my blog site (www.thomasclay.blogspot.com). I did keep the fourth verse and made it the third verse. In the video, I sing in with piano accompaniment.
That’s very nice, Thomas. Is the sheet music available for that?