Sing Unto God

When a choir wants to lift the roof in absolute triumph, Handel is often the first place we turn. "Sing Unto God" is a magnificent chorus from his oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, and it carries all the bright, majestic energy we expect from classical choral works. The text is a straightforward but powerful call to worship, urging us to raise our "high affections" and offer boundless praise to the Almighty.

In our parishes, a piece like this is usually reserved for grand occasions—a major feast day, a parish anniversary, or a dedicated choir concert. It takes a bit of work in rehearsals to master the weaving vocal lines and those bright, ringing entries, but the effort always pays off. The way the alto and tenor solos introduce the melody before the full chorus bursts in creates a thrilling moment that instantly elevates the spirit of the entire congregation.