And Can It Be?

When a choir begins to learn Dan Forrest’s arrangement of "And Can It Be?", the first thing that strikes the singers is the sheer sense of awe woven into the music. Charles Wesley’s classic text is already a profound reflection on grace and the mystery of the cross, but this setting elevates those words into a deeply moving choral experience. It starts with a quiet, almost hesitant questioning—"And can it be that I should gain an int'rest in the Savior's blood?"—before building into a sweeping declaration of faith.

In the choir loft, this piece requires careful attention to dynamics and phrasing. The transition from the hushed, reflective opening into the bold, triumphant final verse ("No condemnation now I dread") is a journey from quiet wonder to absolute conviction. The harmonies are rich and expansive, giving every voice part a chance to swell with the emotion of the lyrics. It is a wonderful challenge for a choir to maintain the delicate tension in the quieter moments so that the climactic "Amazing love" truly soars.

We often turn to this anthem during the Lenten season, Holy Week, or for Communion services, where the focus is squarely on Christ’s sacrifice. It is the kind of piece that leaves a congregation in absolute stillness. When the final, lingering "Amazing love!" fades into the church, it leaves both the singers and the listeners reflecting on the immense, unmerited grace that found us all.