O God beyond all praising

When a choir needs a hymn of absolute majesty, few pieces can match the sweeping grandeur of "O God Beyond All Praising." Set to Gustav Holst’s famous "Thaxted" melody—originally from his orchestral suite The Planets—this arrangement by Richard Proulx elevates the tune into a towering anthem of worship. It is a favorite for grand liturgical moments: Christ the King Sunday, ordinations, and joyous recessions where the organ can pull out all the stops and the voices can soar.

Michael Perry’s lyrics give this soaring music a deeply grounded, human heart. The first stanza lifts our hearts in pure adoration, marveling at blessings we cannot repay. But it is the later verses that truly resonate with congregations. The text acknowledges the fragility of earthly splendor and the reality of human struggles, making a profound vow to God: that even if our tomorrows are filled with ill, we will triumph through our sorrows and rise to bless Him still.

Singing this piece is an experience of building momentum. It typically begins in unison, gathering strength before breaking into rich four-part harmony in the second stanza. By the final verse, a soaring soprano descant crowns the melody, turning the choir's offering into a truly joyful duty and a magnificent sacrifice of praise.