Hymn Concertatos
Contact Michael regarding unpublished works.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
This concertato setting was commissioned in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The setting features a sprightly and majestic brass and organ introduction with a recurring theme that appears several times throughout the piece. The choral stanza captures the mood of the text. The piece is available in both an isometric version as well as a rhythmic version. SATB choir, org, brass sextet, percussion, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
Alleluia, Song of Gladness
Michael Costello has a proven track record with festive arrangements of beloved tunes. This setting of LAUDA ANIMA is no exception. An extended introduction (with instructions for cuts) is followed by four stanzas with short interludes between stanzas 2-3 and 3-4. Verse three (“Alleluia cannot always be our song”) is set for SATB a cappella voices. The final verse is unison with descant, ending with a fanfare reminiscent of the introduction and a four part “Alleluia, Amen!” The text is a translation from the Latin by John M. Neale (1861). Can be used as a congregation hymn or as choir anthem. SATB Choir, org, brass quartet, timpani, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
Blessed Are You, O Lord Our God
A festive concertato on new text by Gwen Gotsch and tune by Costello, this hymn is ideal for Thanksgiving. It ties together themes of Thanksgiving, service, and the Eucharist and sings of God’s lavish love for us in word and sacrament. SATB choir, organ, brass, opt. timpani, and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
By Grace I’m Saved
A joyful rendition of the beloved hymn for chamber orchestra, organ, choir, and congregation. The choral stanza is for two-part treble chorus, but could also be sung by two-part men’s chorus if desired. SA, TB, or mixed choir, strings, oboe, flute, bassoon, and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
Canticle of the Turning: Magnificat
A beautiful, exciting and festive setting of the Magnificat for use during the Advent/Christmas season. This work features rich choral writing along with an assembly part so it can easily be incorporated into worship, and could be effectively performed with a huge variety of performing forces. SATTBB, organ, trombone, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: AFP
Church of God, Elect and Glorious
An original hymn tune “Assumption” is used as the basis for this stirring concertato. The text by James E. Seddon is based on 1 Peter 2:9-12. The theme of the text is to challenge the Church to remember and embrace its mission. Very useful for Church celebrations, ordinations, and installations. SATB choir, organ, brass quartet, timpani, and opt. congregation. Recording below includes original hymn text, “In the Lord My Soul Rejoices,” by James Michael Thompson.
Publisher: MSM
Come, You Thankful People, Come
A festive setting of this Thanksgiving favorite on the tune ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR. This arrangement gives both choir and congregation a significant role. A reproducible page for congregation is found in the full score. The organist may play from either the Full Score or the Choral Score. SATB choir, organ, brass quartet, timpani, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
For All the Saints
This concertato was written for the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University. The choir largely sings the original Vaughan Williams harmonization, but the trebles of the choir also sing a descant to a rather adventurous harmonization of the original hymn for the final stanzas. SATB choir, brass, timpani, and optional congregation.
Unpublished
From East to West, from Shore to Shore
A concertato setting of a new tune by Costello, this Christmas hymn setting makes use of either brass or strings and oboe and quotes Luther’s chorale melody, “Vom Himmel hoch.” It has been enjoyed by several congregations and works well at festival services during the Christmas season and beyond. SATB choir, brass or strings and oboe, and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
God of Grace and God of Glory / God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind
A rhythmic, exciting setting of this great hymn. The alternation of meter in several places gives this setting a fresh new feel. The addition of a children’s choir adds extra meaning to the performance of the piece. The full score includes a reproducible page for congregation. Tune: CWM Rhondda. Double-texted anthem. Part of the Sacred Music from Lenoir-Rhyne Choral Series. Organist may play from either the Full Score or the Choral Score. Two-part mixed voices or unison voices, organ, brass quintet, opt. timpani, percussion, opt. children’s choir, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
I Will Sing My Maker’s Praises
This festival hymn setting was written at the request of Paul Bouman and was used at his funeral service of Holy Communion in 2019. The setting of this chorale features organ and brass, an extended choral stanza for unaccompanied choir, and optional strings and winds. SATB choir, organ, brass, timpani, opt. strings and winds, opt. congregation.
Unpublished
If God Himself Be For Me
This arrangement of a Paul Gerhardt hymn text incorporates the traditional tune Ist Gott für mich. The setting is primarily two-part writing until the third stanza, which calls for four parts. The ending calls for unison choir with a soaring soprano descant. Reproducible page for congregation included in the choral score. Part of the Sacred Music from Lenoir-Rhyne Series. SATB choir, organ, brass quartet, timpani, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
If Then You Have Been Raised with Christ
This concertato on a new hymn with text and tune by Costello was written for the Sacred Music Program of Lenoir-Rhyne University. Three stanzas, with full introduction and interlude before the final stanza (unison with descant). During stanza two (which is for SATB choir without congregation), the tune LAUDA ANIMA is interpolated (instrumentally) between the hymn phrases. SATB choir, organ, oboe, trumpet, opt. strings, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
In Christ an Inheritance Is Ours
A newly written hymn text based on Ephesians 1:11-23, matched to an equally new tune. This piece was commissioned by St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Columbia, South Carolina, for their 175th Anniversary. SATB choir, organ, flute, oboe, opt. cello, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
Not Unto Us
Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of the Lutheran Chorale of Milwaukee, this setting of Kurt Eggert’s “Not Unto Us” is a versatile concertato for ministry anniversaries, Reformation, or any worship service. Costello’s skillful arranging treats the organ and brass much like antiphonal groups, making an organ-only reduction nearly as satisfying as performance with brass. Only one stanza is for the choir alone, allowing the congregation substantial participation in this beloved 20th century hymn. SATB Choir, organ, opt. brass and percussion, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: NPH
Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds
A simple arrangement for festival services of the tune “Lasst uns erfreuen” for organ, brass quintet, and descanting trebles. An easy setting to pull together for Easter Sunday. This setting does not have a composed introduction. Organ, brass, opt. timpani, opt. soprano descant, and congregation.
Unpublished
Now We Join in Celebration
This concertato for SATB, Flute, and Organ (with optional Brass Quartet) utilizes the tune SCHMÜCKE DICH with a contemporary communion text by Joel W. Lundeen (1978). In the introduction, the flute inserts its own commentary between phrases of the hymn tune. This material is loosely related to the tune and is also used in interludes between all verses. Stanza one is unison congregation and choir. Stanza two is for SATB, flute, trumpet, and organ. There are breaks between phrases similar to the introduction. The third and final stanza is unison with descant. The flute soars above the texture, and the result is gracious and lovely. SATB Choir, flute, organ, opt. brass quartet, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
This wonderful hymn text by Paul Gerhardt and the sturdy tune Wie soll ich dich empfangen by Johann Crüger are well matched and have been sung by congregations since the late 1600s. This setting matches this tune and text with full bodied brass writing to create a truly grand musical experience. The choral score includes a reproducible page for congregation. Part of the Sacred Music from Lenoir-Rhyne Choral Series. SATB choir, organ, brass quartet, timpani, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
Once Again, My Heart Rejoices
This extended arrangement of the beloved Christmas hymn was written for Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest and makes use of chamber orchestra and organ for the accompaniment. The choir part is accessible. SATB choir, organ, chamber orchestra (strings, flutes, oboes, trumpets, timpani), and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
Our Grateful Hearts We Lift in Praise
This is an extended setting of a new text and tune commissioned by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Iowa for their 150th anniversary. The full concertato includes SATB Choir, organ, brass quartet, timpani, handbells (or piano), opt. winds, strings, and children’s choir.
Unpublished
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
A brilliant concertato or hymn-anthem on this great hymn using the LOBE DEN HERREN tune. The optional use of Children’s choir makes this particularly effective. A great way to enrich the congregational singing on this hymn. SATB choir, children’s or treble choir, organ, with opt. congregation, brass quartet, and timpani.
Publisher: MSM
Savior of the Nations, Come
This concertato assembles several choral settings by Johann Ernst Altenburg, Hugo Distler, and J. S. Bach and is complimented by arrangements by Michael Costello to create a full rendition of this beloved Advent chorale. Options to the accompaniment include a version for brass or for strings and oboe. SATB choir, organ, brass or strings and oboe, opt. congregation.
Unpublished
Sing with All the Saints in Glory
This beautiful, thoughtful reimagining of this treasured hymn tune and text is sure to delight both singer and listener. The simple flute opening and the piece continues to grow and unfold, utilizing the full range and color of the choir, organ, and flute. A rich, delightful song of praise! SATB choir, organ, flute, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: AFP
The Day Is Surely Drawing Near
A stately setting by Michael D. Costello for SATB choir, congregation, organ, and trumpet of the German tune Es ist gewisslich paired with Bartholomäus Ringwaldt’s end times text. This hymn is useful at the end of the Church Year and during Advent, but especially on Proper 28 (ABC) and Trinity 26, when it is the hymn of the day. SATB choir, organ, trumpet, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: CPH
The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
A festive setting of this great Easter hymn VICTORY. The brass fanfare leads into the opening congregational refrain and sets the stage for meaningful congregational participation. The third stanza is written for choir, is followed by an interlude, and concludes with unison singing and descant on the last stanza. SATB choir, organ, brass quartet, timpani, and opt. congregation.
Publisher: MSM
Through the Heavens Christ Ascended
Commissioned by St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, this original hymn by Harriet Warnick and Scott Hyslop is particularly appropriate for the Ascension of Our Lord. It is scored for SATB choir, brass, opt. percussion, and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
To Abraham’s God and Ours
Commissioned by St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan for its 175th anniversary celebration, this original hymn by Henry L. Lettermann and Scott Hyslop is appropriate for services at which assurance of God’s steady hand in protection and guidance is expressed. It is scored for SATB choir, brass, opt. percussion, and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
When in Our Music God Is Glorified
This festive concertato was commissioned by Kim and Karen Brunssen for their 40th wedding anniversary. This arrangement makes use of Stanford’s beloved tune, Engelberg. Scored for SATB choir, brass, opt. strings and oboe, opt. congregation.
Unpublished
When in Our Music God Is Glorified
This concertato utilizes Fred Pratt Green’s hymn text, but contains a new tune by Michael Costello. It makes use of the choir in alternation with the congregation and has a fanfare-like trumpet part in the accompaniment that encourages hearty congregational participation. SATB choir, organ, opt. trumpet, and opt. congregation.
Unpublished
Michael D. Costello 