O Clap Your Hands
by Stephen Chatman
3-Part - Sheet Music

Treble solo or soli, 3-part treble choir and piano - Intermediate

SKU: EC.7.0577

Composed by Stephen Chatman. Children's Sabbath/Emphasis, 21st Century, Praise/Thanksgiving. Octavo. Galaxy Music Corporation #7.0577. Published by Galaxy Music Corporation (EC.7.0577).

ISBN 600313705779. UPC: 600313705779. English. Psalms 47:1-3, 5-6.

Commissioned by Mississauga (Ontario) Children’s Choir, O Clap Your Hands is a setting of words from Psalm 47 as translated and adapted by the composer. Influenced by jazz and gospel music, this fast, energetic work surges forward with constant syncopation, rich pan-diatonic and chromatic harmony, and repeated melodic lines and text. The exciting initial melody in G minor, repeating the first line, balances the following melodic variation in D minor, repeating the second line with increasing intensity. The same melodic motive is then presented in E minor and developed with soprano solo or soli floating above the choir. The bright and challenging piano part, with its added-tone arpeggios and extended registers, highlights and punctuates the vocal lines. Through alternating keys, various homophonic and contrapuntal episodes, and the addition of “tutti” clapping, the work reaches a climactic, resounding ending.

Duration: c. 3:00.