How Excellent Thy Name

When a Nigerian choir wants to bring true majesty to a high feast day or a special concert, classical choruses are often the first choice. "How Excellent Thy Name" by G.F. Handel is exactly that kind of piece. Taking its text directly from Psalm 8, as noted on the score, it lifts up a grand, formal declaration of God's glory across the earth and the heavens.

The music opens with a stately declaration—marked Maestoso on the page—where the voices build a massive, reverent wall of sound. As the parts weave together, singing "Above all heav'ns, O King ador'd," you can feel the weight of the harmony. It requires a choir to be completely locked in, balancing their entries so that the intricate counterpoint shines through clearly without any one voice overpowering the others.

What makes this piece a favorite in the choir loft is the explosive "Hallelujah" section that takes over the second half. It is a thrilling, fast-paced workout for every voice part, demanding serious breath control and precision right up to the final, triumphant chords. It is the kind of anthem that leaves both the singers and the congregation breathless, perfectly capturing the awe of a God whose glory is set above the heavens.