God So Loved the World (SATB version) 4-Part - Digital Sheet Music

This is a simple E minor setting of the familiar Good Friday words, using a repeated binary structure, almost in the manner of an alternating verse/chorus form. The piece is a counterpart to Howard's own 2016 setting of the Ave Verum Corpus, with which it shares the same key (also available via Sheet Music Plus). The chorus displays a clearly morose yearning in its appoggiaturas, upward leap and consequent falling phrase. By contrast, the verse is almost a recitative, featuring tense repetitions on one tone above a series of chromatically descending triads and pedal point. The work is appropriate for most standards of 4-part choir, including schools, students, community, church and cathedral choirs. The accompaniment can be on piano or organ. Versions of the work for solo voice, and for SA choir, are also available via Sheet Music Plus. The full YouTube video provided is a concert performance at the 21st Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts, given on 28/6/25 by the 100-strong Prescot Festival Chorus with Ian Wells (conductor) & Peter Kwater (organ) in Prescot Parish Church on Merseyside, England, UK. Duration: 3 minutes 00 seconds. Registered with PRS (Performing Rights Society, UK). Composer's website: www.roberthowardmusic.co.uk