To God on high

When a choir sings a chorale by Felix Mendelssohn, there is a distinct sense of grounded, unshakeable faith that settles over the loft. "To God on high," taken from his oratorio *St. Paul*, is a perfect example of this solid, four-part harmony writing. It moves with a steady, deliberate pace, allowing every voice part to lock together in a unified declaration of thanks and praise.

The text speaks of a God who breaks our bonds and raises our drooping souls, offering a profound message of comfort and deliverance. As the piece progresses, the harmony shifts beautifully beneath the melody, especially on the lines "On him we rest, with faith assur'd." It is a moment where the choir must sing with absolute conviction, leaning into the rich, homophonic chords that Mendelssohn provides.

For Nigerian choirs, this piece is a wonderful choice for a solemn thanksgiving, a recessional, or a special choral presentation. It does not require vocal acrobatics; instead, it asks for blend, breath control, and a deep understanding of the text. When the final "For ever and for ever" rings out, it leaves the congregation with a lasting sense of the mighty Lord's enduring care.