The Spirit of God
About the Song
This arrangement of the familiar hymn was done by assignment for the September 25, 2010 LDS General Relief Society meeting and broadcast.
Arranging by assignment is always an interesting challenge. When you have a set of criteria you have to meet, it forces you to think outside your own little box, and that’s a good thing. The parameters for this arrangement were these: it had to be feminine (since it’s for women’s voices, that was easy); it had to celebrate (again, easy just because of the nature of the hymn); it had to be simple enough to not require extensive practice (a matter of opinion!); it had to… dance? (oh… dear…); and I had about two weeks (yikes!!!).
I let the flutes do the dancing. If you choose to perform this arrangement, you’ll find that there’s no doing without them. And yes, that tempo marking at the top is correct. It’s really that fast. Note that it’s scored in cut time. If you find yourself conducting it in 4, you’re taking it slower than it’s intended to go. Have your singers stagger their breathing and it will be easier.
The master score for this song is a 12-page monster, so I’ve provided extracted flute, voice and piano parts.
Before you ask… yes, I’ll probably do an SATB for this one eventually. I’m always wrapped up in a bunch of other projects though, so it will be awhile–can’t tell you how long. You’ll know I’ve done it when you see it!
Sheet Music Downloads
Lyrics
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
And angels are coming to visit the earth.
(Chorus)
We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the armies of heaven,
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever, Amen and amen!
The Lord is extending the Saints’ understanding,
Restoring their judges and all as at first.
The knowledge and power of God are expanding;
The veil o’er the earth is beginning to burst.
How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion
Shall lie down together without any ire,
And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion,
As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!
If you have questions, please check the FAQ.
If you don't find your answer there, feel free to post your question here. 🙂
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My autistic pupil is priest age and is exploring ways to make his music more meaningful/(beautiful) to him! I thought if he shared it at church It would be a huge leap for In his ability!
Aloha Sally Deford!
We did 3 of your arrangements at our recent stake conference in Hawaii. The sisters sounded like angels. We sang your arrangement of “The Spirit of God” as the closing song. It was a humbling experience as a conductor looking at the sisters with their smiling faces that glowed with the spirit of the Lord which descended upon them as they sang with power and conviction. Thank you for sharing your musical arrangements with the world. You have done much good with your musical talents and we surely appreciate and love you and your music! From the islands we say “MAHALO NUI LOA” or thank you very much. We shall be eternally grateful for inspired music which feeds our souls!
With warm Aloha, Esther Macy
Here is the link to the performance of The Spirit of God at the General RS Meeting – you should consider posting it!
http://media2.ldscdn.org/assets/general-relief-society-meeting/2010-general-relief-society-meeting/2010-09-0041-the-spirit-of-god-256k-eng.mp3
You just did. Thanks Zach!
it’s a Beautiful arrangement