Ancient Words

In his setting of Lynn DeShazo’s song, Craig Courtney has captured the simplicity and accessibility of a beloved hymn and woven into it expressive nuances, including the lyrical, a cappella introduction with its compelling harmonies, which seamlessly lead into Courtney’s signature expressive piano voicing. His arrangement features all the various colors of the sections of the choir with a climatic build to the third refrain, intended to be sung in gospel style. The piece is constructed with a lovely arc, ending much as it began, in quiet repose, proclaiming the assurance of the text.