Jim has written this attractive unison setting to express the treasured and comforting words of the Twenty-third Psalm. This well thought out piece employs an intriguing ABBA structure, and its beautifully flowing melody reminds one of early American folk hymns. A guitarist playing a finger-style accompaniment pattern accenting the downbeats could nicely complement the rhythmic piano writing. Worthy of any choir, this versatile piece is equally effective sung by a small funeral schola or soloist.

The Lord Is My Shepherd is an effortless and beautiful arrangement of the familiar text of Psalm 23. Arranged for solo voice (or unison choir), flute, guitar, and keyboard, this piece would be a wonderful prelude or song during the preparation of the gifts. The melodies are well-crafted and fit well with the solo flute and keyboard accompaniment. Soaring above and weaving in and out of the melody, the flute is essential since it embodies the comforting and tranquil nature of the text. The composer takes great care in wedding text and music: Triplet figures throughout give a feeling of steadfastness and constancy and serve the text well. Finally, lower voices will find this piece particularly appealing, since the range is most accessible for them (B3–D5, C4 being middle C). Sopranos will be challenged most in terms of range (if done as a choral piece), as the tessitura lies in the B3–B4 range.
Rachelle Kramer, chair of the Steering Committee for the National Association of Pastoral Ministers, Youth Interest Section

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Listen