Your Voices Tune / Prepare The Hymn

When our choirs tackle the great classical works, pieces by George Frideric Handel always hold a special place in the repertoire. This score brings together two of his magnificent choruses, often paired for grand celebrations, concerts, or festive days in the life of the church. The first section, "Your Voices Tune," is drawn from his famous ode *Alexander's Feast*. It is a soaring tribute to St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, calling on the singers to raise their voices high and make the evening "sacred to harmony and love."

The music then transitions into "Prepare The Hymn," a majestic chorus from Handel's *Occasional Oratorio*. Beginning with a commanding bass solo before the full choir joins in, it is a brilliant, energetic call to worship. The lyrics instruct us to bring the timbrel, the cheerful psaltery, and the harp with pleasant strings. For a choir director, mastering the intricate, overlapping vocal runs in these classical pieces is a thrilling challenge, and when the voices finally lock together in full harmony, the result is truly glorious.