A fresh arrangement of the classic hymn for choir and orchestra. The piece focuses on the constancy of God’s character, care, and provision as a source of encouragement.
Choir and Orchestra | Grade 3 | 5:00
Performance materials available through:
For the 2021 Community Choir and Orchestra Christmas Cantata
NDSCS Cultural Center, Bremer Bank Theater, Wahpeton, ND
Kent Loken and Jana Berndt, Co-directors
About the piece
Great Is Thy Faithfulness was originally written around a century ago, and has since become a classic hymn in many churches. This arrangement has a rather unique backstory, in that it was commissioned to be part of a Christmas cantata but is not a traditional Christmas song. The overall title for the cantata that year was “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. The main theme was God’s faithfulness, so even though this hymn isn’t about the birth of Christ it was one we wanted to include. The mood of this piece is solemn yet celebratory and majestic; the listener is encouraged to ponder God’s character and blessings. Although originally performed alongside Christmas songs, it would be a beautiful addition to a concert or religious service in any season.
The premiere of Great Is Thy Faithfulness was on December 11th, 2021. The performance also included Christmas Prelude, Look to Christ, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and O Holy Night, in addition to others.
Request a free score for perusal.
Lyrics by Thomas O. Chisholm
Music by William F. Runyan
Arranged by Paul Cravens
Lyrics
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
Paul Cravens 