O clap your hands

"O clap your hands" is a jubilant choral setting of Psalm 47 by E. Greenwood. From the very first measure, it calls the choir and congregation into a space of high praise, demanding energy and bright, ringing voices. The text commands us to shout unto God with the voice of triumph, and the music matches this perfectly with its driving rhythm and bold, declarative phrases. It is the kind of anthem that wakes up a church and sets a festive tone for the liturgy.

The arrangement is wonderfully varied, giving different sections of the choir their moment to lead. After the full choir establishes God's kingship over all the earth, a steady bass solo takes over to sing of His chosen inheritance. Later, a gentle duet for the sopranos and altos reminds us to "sing praises with understanding," offering a moment of quiet reverence before the majestic bass recitative.

Because of its grand scale and triumphant mood, choirs often bring this piece out for major celebrations, feast days, or as a powerful entrance or recessional anthem. It requires stamina and clear diction, especially in the fast-paced "sing praises" sections, but the result is a thrilling offering of worship that lifts the hearts of everyone in the pews.