HOW GREAT THOU ART/MAJESTY

When a choir wants to lift a familiar hymn into something truly grand, this choral setting by Joel Raney is a perfect choice. It brings together two deeply loved songs of praise—Stuart K. Hine’s "How Great Thou Art" and Jack Hayford’s "Majesty"—weaving them into a single, soaring anthem. The piece begins with the quiet awe of observing God's creation, moving through the gentle breeze and forest glades, before swelling into a powerful declaration of Christ's sacrifice and ultimate glory.

For the singers in the loft, the arrangement offers some thrilling moments of harmony and interplay. As the piece builds, the voices begin to echo and answer each other, blending the recognizable refrain of "Then sings my soul" with the triumphant call to "Worship His Majesty." The sopranos get to float above the texture with bright, ringing declarations, while the lower voices drive the momentum forward. It requires careful attention to dynamics, growing from a hushed reverence into a massive, joyful finale.

This setting is especially fitting for moments of high praise, Thanksgiving services, or as a stirring recessional. By the time the choir reaches the final, resounding "How great thou art," the congregation is often moved by the sheer scale of the music. It takes the personal devotion of the original hymns and expands it into a massive, unified shout of worship.