Let thy hand be strengthened

When a Nigerian choir takes on Handel's "Let thy hand be strengthened," you know a major celebration is underway. Often brought out for priestly ordinations, grand feast days, or special anniversaries, this classic anthem carries a truly regal weight. The words are drawn from Psalm 89, asking for God's power, justice, and mercy to lead the way. It is a piece that demands focus from every section in the choir loft, rewarding the singers with a massive, glorious sound that lifts the entire congregation.

The anthem unfolds in three distinct movements. It opens with a bright, confident declaration of God's strength, with the voices weaving together in joyful praise. The mood then shifts in the second section, "Let justice and judgement," where the tempo slows and the harmony becomes more reflective and solemn. Finally, the piece bursts into a lively, dancing "Allelujah" chorus. For any choir director, guiding the voices through these changing moods is a thrilling experience, and for the people in the pews, it brings a profound sense of majesty to the Mass.