O the Beautiful Treasures

Description

This vigorous and infectious piece is based on tunes and texts of the Shakers. It invites us to “come dance and come singing,” and gives the choir opportunity to add rhythmic clapping and stomping, a common occurence in the music and worship of the Shakers. The piece also mixes solos and duets with hearty four-part singing in the style of Billings. While it begins in modal fashion, the second half shares the joy of “treasures in Heaven” with a change to the major mode. This would make an excellent praise anthem as well as an energetic introit.