Choral Anthems
Contact Michael regarding unpublished works.
Adoration of the Cross and Reproaches
A hauntingly beautiful setting of the Reproaches for Good Friday, including a rich baritone solo, remarkable cello writing, and minimalist choral writing. The congregation adds their voice in singing stanzas of “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” at three points in the work. SATB choir, baritone soloist, cello, opt. congregation.
Unpublished
All Israel’s Tribes
A simple anthem with a winding melody is the setting for a new text by J. Michael Thompson appropriate for the Last Sunday in the Church Year / Christ the King Sunday, Year C. SATB choir and organ.
Unpublished
America, the Beautiful
A beautiful setting of the traditional song by Katharine Lee Bates and Samuel A. Ward, this simply two-part arrangement was written for the choir of Grace Lutheran School in River Forest. It is accessible for children and adults alike and will be valuable for teaching new singers to sing independent parts. SA choir and piano.
Unpublished
As Your Spirit in the Desert
With a fresh, new text by Susan Palo Cherwien, “As Your Spirit in the Desert” is especially perfect for the first Sunday in Lent. SATB choir or soloist, org, opt. oboe, opt. congregation.
Publisher: AFP
Children of the Heavenly Father
Tender and wistful, this setting preserves the familiar hymn, but sets the melody thoughtfully and appropriately. Rediscover a beloved hymn with this gentle and unexpected arrangement perfect for any choir. SATB choir, opt. Unison choir, piano, flute.
Publisher: AFP
Christ Hymn
A setting of the beloved Philippians 2 text in which Jesus’ love is described for us as obedience to the point of death, even death on a cross. A majestic anthem for mixed choir and organ with a doxological conclusion. SATB choir and organ.
Unpublished
Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!
A delightful and joyous Easter anthem for Unison Choir and C Instrument. Instrumental parts are included.
Publisher: MSM
Christmas
More of an art song than an anthem, this setting of George Herbert’s poem for baritone solo can be accompanied by a full string orchestra and oboe, string quartet and oboe, or keyboard and treble instrument. Available in different keys to suit a variety ranges. Baritone solo, opt. strings, and treble instrument (oboe preferred).
Unpublished
Come, Let Us Return to the Lord
An unaccompanied anthem for SAB choir based on Hosea 6:1-3, this mixed-meter setting was written for the conclusion of Michael’s time at St. Stephens Lutheran Church (MS) in Hickory, North Carolina. Appropriate for a variety of times in the church year, but particularly during seasons of repentance. SAB choir.
Unpublished
Crossings
A setting of Jill Peláez Baumgaertner’s poem, this text emphasizes the way in which the life, death, and resurrection of Christ is at the center of the Christian life. SATB choir, organ, and optional oboe.
Unpublished
Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe
An unaccompanied setting of the Gloria of the Mass in German, written for the Grace Parish Choir for use in worship at Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany. SATB choir.
Unpublished
From Shade to Shine: Reflections on the Church Year
A seven-movement work for unaccompanied chorus. Texts by Jill Peláez Baumgaertner are rich with meaning and bring a mystical quality to the church’s liturgical walk through time. Each movement quotes an ancient chant or chorale melody, allowing us to join in the church’s ongoing song of praise to God. Each movement can stand on its own or the work can be performed in its entirety. The writing is for advanced singers. SATB choir (with divisi).
Unpublished
God So Loved the World
A simple setting of the John 3:16-17 text in which the choir declares God’s love for humankind. The setting is for keyboard and either unison or SATB mixed choir. An optional instrumental part adds color and additional harmony to a lovely setting of this text. Unison or SATB choir, keyboard, and opt. instrument (clarinet preferred).
Unpublished
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
This simple setting was written for the installation of a pastor during the COVID-19 pandemic and makes use of only a solo voice, piano, and optional string quartet. It expands the traditional hymn for a festive setting. Solo, piano, and opt. strings.
Unpublished
Having Sent the Son as Savior
This setting of J. Michael Thompson’s new text is particularly appropriate for the Seventh Sunday of Easter in Year B. A winding melody for SATB choir and organ.
Unpublished
How Beautiful Are the Feet
This setting of texts from Isaiah, Romans, and Mark was written for an ordination service in the month of December and has allusions to themes of Advent. A congregational refrain makes this piece useful in a variety of settings. Solo voice, piano, clarinet, and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb
Michael D. Costello’s setting of the favorite hymn of trust will be loved by all. Written for SATB a cappella, this piece provides the opportunity to utilize a baritone solo and a treble choir or soloist. The choral texture enables a full legato sound and features a countermelody that is passed between the various forces. A worthy selection for Good Shepherd themes or anytime during the year. SATB choir and soloist.
Publisher: CPH
I Am the Alpha and the Omega
This setting of selected verses from Revelation 21 and 22 is fitting for services near the end of the church year, the first Sunday in Advent, All Saints Sunday, and at funerals or memorial services. Commissioned by the Luhrs family in memory of the Rev. David J. Luhrs, this is a beautiful composition for choirs of all ability levels. SATB choir and piano.
Unpublished
If Then You Have Been Raised with Christ
This unaccompanied setting of Colossians 3:1 is a straightforward presentation of the text. It makes a lovely motet during the Easter season, when the sacrament of Holy Baptism is celebrated, and at other times. SATB choir.
Unpublished
In Thee Is Gladness
Based on the hymn tune In dir ist freude. The piece begins with a jubilant introduction with a countermelody presented by the C instrument with the choir singing the melody. Later in the piece, the choir picks up the countermelody for a pleasing change of pace. Includes reproducible page for C Instrument (Oboe, Flute, Violin) with option to use B-flat Clarinet. Part of the Sacred Music from Lenoir-Rhyne Series. Unison choir, C instrument, or clarinet in B-flat.
Publisher: MSM
Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old
A rich setting of Martin Luther’s German Sanctus. Published in the Augsburg Chorale Book. SAB Choir and organ.
Publisher: AFP
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
This arrangement of Bach’s lovely chorale setting from Cantata #147 is expanded for a wedding processional. Beginning gently with cello and organ, the piece gradually builds to a full choir, transposed to a new key, and concludes in a festive manner. Organ, SATB choir, cello, opt. trumpets.
Unpublished.
Jesus Went with His Disciples
This setting of J. Michael Thompson’s new text is particularly appropriate for the Third Sunday in Lent in Year B and has a hauntingly beautiful melody. SATB choir and organ.
Unpublished
Joyous Light of Glory
A beautiful unaccompanied setting of the Phos hilaron, this text speaks of Christ, the light of glory. Particularly appropriate for Vespers, this anthem can also be used at Christmas, Epiphany, or other times of the church year. SATB choir.
Unpublished
Keep in Mind That Jesus Christ
An arrangement of Fr. Lucien Diess’ setting of this text from 2 Timothy 2, this canticle has been a favorite of many congregations for decades. It contains a beautiful refrain for congregational participation, beautifully harmonized choral stanzas, and a soaring descant. Performance of this piece requires permission from World Library Publications. SATB choir, organ, opt. oboe, opt. congregation.
Unpublished
Lechu neranena l’Adonai
This beautiful setting of the Venite (Psalm 95:1-7a) is for unison treble choir with optional harmony, piano, violin, and cello. It quotes the opening line of the original Hebrew text at several times with a traditional chant melody. This is particularly appropriate for Matins or for use during other times when music and singing is an emphasis in worship. Unison or two-part choir (treble or mixed), piano, violin, and cello.
Unpublished
Let Us Look to Jesus
This simple, unaccompanied setting of the text from Hebrews 12:2 is designed to be sung as part of the Adoration of the Cross liturgy on Good Friday. SATB choir.
Unpublished
O Send Out Thy Light
This unaccompanied setting of Psalm 43:3-4 is ideal for services in the service of Advent and at other times when themes of light are emphasized. SATB choir.
Unpublished
On This Mountain
This a cappella setting of Isaiah 25:6-8 is ideal for services at which the Eucharist is emphasized, for funerals or memorial services, and even for All Saints. SATB choir.
Unpublished
Our Eyes Look to the Lord
Michael D. Costello’s setting of Psalm 123 for SATB choir, congregation, organ, and oboe. The psalm may be led by a soloist, by SATB choir, or by a combination of both; the congregation joins on the refrain. The psalm text is taken from the Book of Common Prayer (1979) and is useful throughout the Church Year, but particularly during Lent. SATB choir, organ, opt. oboe, opt. congregation.
Publisher: CPH
Passion According to St. John
This is an extended work, a setting of the Passion narrative from John 22-23. It is unaccompanied, with the exception of some optional chords played by a keyboard or plucked instrument to help maintain pitch. Sung mostly by the Evangelist, other solo roles dramatize the Passion story for use in worship on Good Friday. The choral writing is straightforward and accessible. SATB choir, soloists, and optional keyboard or plucked instrument.
Unpublished
Peace Came to Earth
Jaroslav Vajda’s text is set to a lovely melody in D-flat Major and is appropriate for the Christmas season and other times at which the Incarnation is emphasized. The keyboard part may be played by an optional instrumental ensemble. SATB choir, keyboard, opt. instrumental ensemble (strings, flute, oboe, horn).
Unpublished
Prayer of St. Francis
This lovely and accessible setting of the prayer ascribed to St. Francis of Assisi is accompanied by string quartet and appropriate for use at nearly any time of the church year or services of reconciliation. SATB choir, string quartet.
Unpublished
Remember the Sabbath Day
This anthem makes use of introductory materials from Evangelical Lutheran Worship for Lectionary 21C and is a fitting summary of the readings for that day. A corresponding setting of the Gospel Verse for Lectionary 21C with complimentary writing and congregational refrain ties the musical and lectionary themes together. SATB choir and piano.
Unpublished
Seed That in Earth Is Dying
A delightful arrangement of this tune by Harald Herresthal was written for the recording of hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Volume 2. It makes an excellent anthem or is easily adapted for use as a small hymn concertato setting. The oboe solo quotes the chorale “Es ist das Heil” in the second stanza. Two-part choir (SA or mixed), organ, oboe, opt. congregation.
Unpublished
Seek the Lord
This setting of Amos 5:8 is written for a more advanced chorus and requires a good organist, but is well worth the time invested to perform it. The emphasis God, who created even the stars in the heavens is portrayed by the lush harmonies and captivating organ part. SATB choir and organ.
Unpublished
Stone Rejected by the Builders
This unaccompanied setting of J. Michael Thompson’s new text is particularly appropriate for the Fifth Sunday of Easter in Year A. SATB choir.
Unpublished
That Your Joy My Live within Us
This setting of J. Michael Thompson’s new text is particularly appropriate for the Seventh Sunday of Easter in Year C. SATB choir and organ.
GIA
The Only Son from Heaven
This unaccompanied arrangement of the chorale “The Only Son from Heaven” is for SATB choir and is intended to be reminiscent of the arrangements of F. Melius Christiansen. The four-part writing expands to divisi for each section of the choir for a brief section before returning to the original material. SATB choir.
Unpublished
Veni, Sancte Spiritus
A fast-paced and riveting setting of the Sequence for Pentecost, this piece requires brass quartet, a strong choir, and has an optional congregational refrain. The score is available in Latin or in English. The arrangement was written for the conclusion of Michael’s time as pastor and church musician at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where the Schantz organ was out of commission and being refurbished at the time. SATB choir, brass quartet, opt. congregation.
Unpublished
We Glory in Your Cross, O Lord
This unaccompanied anthem is a setting of the text that concludes the Adoration of the Cross liturgy on Good Friday as printed in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The four-part choral writing is in A-B-A form, with the B section in the style of Anglican chant. SATB choir.
Unpublished
We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight
Henry Alford’s hymn is set to a newly written melody that flows in a peaceful, triple meter pattern. Easily accessible and appropriate for choirs of all sizes. Part of the Lenoir-Rhyne Choral Series. Includes reproducible pages for optional Clarinet or C instrument. Two-part mixed voices, piano, opt. B-flat or C instrument.
Publisher: MSM
Michael D. Costello 