Word painting of a raw, intense poem by Paul Cummings is the essence of this homage to the miracle of music, which begins: Your harmony invades my being; / my body is captured by the embrace / of a melody that leads me out of dark places.
A flowing Spanish setting from Psalm 90 (91): The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.
This marvelous love poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is dynamically dressed with a rich palette of word painting.
This list contains music that Gibson composed specifically for use within church services. Although much of it is designed for the Roman Catholic liturgy, there are many pieces that will work well in a wide variety of religious ceremonies. To narrow your search, please use the Filter on the left. To get copies of the music, please approach the publisher. For inquiries, please contact Paul@PaulGibsonMusic.com.
MorningStar - Catalog # MSM-80-304
SATB/congregation, organ [c. 2:30]
This quiet, prayerful English setting for choir with congregational response uses mixed meters to create a timeless flow. Commissioned by Dr. Phil Steinhaus for St. Margaret Mary’s, Lomita, CA.
Excerpt performed by Chorus Angelorum (Dominic MacAller, conductor; Phil Steinhaus, organ]
OCP Publications – Catalog # 30106749
Cantor/SATB/cong., organ, opt. brass or strings [c. 3:30]
This widely used setting – with its refrain from “Angels We Have Heard on High” – allows any congregation to participate fully in the Gloria. Originally commissioned for St. Margaret Mary’s, Lomita, CA, and recorded by Frank Brownstead. String accompaniments now available from the publisher.
NEW! New translation for the Roman Missal, Third Edition Revision
(Excerpt of original version from O Morning Star, from OCP #9521)
OCP Publications – # 30104334
SATB, organ, opt. trumpet, opt. brass, opt. strings [c. 4:10, excluding Gloria]
As a follow up to A Christmas Gloria, the movements of this Mass are all based on familiar carols so that the congregation can more easily take part. Included are: Holy, three Acclamations, Amen, and Lamb of God, all using the latest translations of the Roman Missal. Strings for all sections now available from the publisher.
Watch on YouTube: Glory to God, Holy, Holy, and Lamb of God
Performance of "Holy" provided by OCP.
Available from the composer
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:30]
This exuberant setting of “Wir Singen Dir Immanuel,” in Catherine Winkworth’s English translation, makes a joyous feature of deceptive cadences. Written originally for Christmas, it could in fact be used throughout the Church year.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
ECS Publishing – Score # 7696 Handbells # 7697
SATB chorus and handbells (four octaves) [c. 2:40]
This Christmas piece, a setting of William Austin’s joyous poem, which begins “All this night shrill chanticleer, Day’s proclaiming trumpeter…,” gives the impression of rising higher and higher. Available in full score, and bells only score.
(Click on publisher link at left for score and audio previews.)
Example provided by E.C. Schirmer: chorus with synthesized bells
Available from the composer
SATB, keyboard [c. 5:00]
A setting of a text by clergy from St. Martin-in-the-Fields, this relatively simple anthem-hymn celebrates and gives thanks for our abundance, but also envisions a world of greater justice and peace. Especially suitable in November. Parishes with strong justice movements will find it particularly appropriate and appealing.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
ECS Publishing – Catalog #7111
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:30]
One of Gibson’s earliest choral works, this tenderly imploring prayer uses fragments from several psalms as its text. A choir accustomed to singing chant will feel the interpretation come quite naturally.
Watch and listen on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus, organ, opt. brass quartet, opt. timpani [c. 12:00]
Designed for the substantial entrance procession at a cathedral ordination, this setting of text from Daniel has an easily learned refrain.
[Chorus Angelorum, brass, Dominic MacAller conducting]
SATB/congregation, organ, optional brass quartet or quintet, opt. timpani [c. 7:00]
This grand and stirring arrangement, originally commissioned by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for the 1987 visit of Pope John Paul II, features distinctive and powerful brass writing.
[Excerpt performed by the Los Angeles Papal Choir, conducted by Frank Brownstead.]
SATB/congregation, organ, optional brass quartet or quintet [c. 5:00]
This fresh, straightforward arrangement of the great Quaker hymn was commissioned by Frank Brownstead for the 1989 NPM Convention.
[Excerpt performed by Zephyr: Voices Unbound.]
Available from the composer
SATB, congregation, organ, optional brass quartet [c. 11:30]
The Communion Antiphon for the ordination of priests, this setting is deliberately lengthy, has an approachable refrain, and ends quietly for the period after communion.
[Chorus Angelorum, brass, Dominic MacAller conducting]
SATB/congregation, organ, optional brass quartet, optional handbells [c. 6:00]
Commissioned by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for the 1987 visit of Pope John Paul II, this setting of the Lourdes hymn alternates English and Spanish verses and was used at the Hollywood Bowl to complete the Marian year celebrations.
[Excerpt from sample CD, OCP Publications.]
SATB/congregation, organ, brass quintet, optional timpani [c. 2:30]
When your special liturgy includes a vibrant hymn tune like McKEE, you want the brass to support the congregation and choir as well as suit the spirit of the music to a T. Gibson’s arrangement does it all and includes two superb texts, one a beloved classic and one a contemporary gem (“The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound”). Originally commissioned by Frank Brownstead for the 1989 NPM Convention, this updated version is on the Cathedral Series of MorningStar Music.
Frank Brownstead leads singers and instrumentalists in rehearsal at Our Lady of the Angels cathedral, Los Angeles
ECS Publishing – Catalog #6728
SATB, cello [c. 2:10]
Winner in the 2005 American Composers Forum/VocalEssence Christmas Carol Competition, this buoyantly rhythmic setting uses an early Christmas text (in English with Latin refrain), and was premiered by Philip Brunelle and VocalEssence. Charles Bruffy and the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale performed it with bassoon in place of the cello.
Watch and listen to the score on YouTube.
[Excerpt by Philovox Ensemble, Jane Ring Frank (conductor), Rafael Popper-Keizer (cello) for ECS]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus, unaccompanied [c. 2:33]
Using close counterpoint and elegant lines, this is a setting from the Book of Revelation, 21:22-23
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.
MIDI realization
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G-3877
SATB/congregation, organ, optional trumpet [c. 3:00]
English setting of the Gloria commissioned by Dr. Phil Steinhaus for the Jubilee celebrations at St. Margaret Mary’s, Lomita, CA
[Excerpt from A Mass of Life, G.I.A. #CD-289.]
Available from the composer
Three-part treble voices [c. 5:15]
Set in three languages, each iteration takes a slightly different style for the message of Psalm 18 (19): “The ordinances of the Lord are right…”
[Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting]
Available from the composer
Three-part women's chorus and organ [c. 3:00]
This setting of the Offertory for the Third Sunday of Easter (Psalm 145:2) uses the Latin form of:
Praise the Lord, O my soul:
I will praise the Lord throughout my life;
I will sing to my God for as long as I live,
alleluia.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
Available soon from MusicSpoke
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 4:36]
Hildegard’s ecstatic praise of the Holy Trinity is mirrored in this expressive setting, built on an original chant inspired by Hildegard’s music. Premiere given 5/20/22 in Leipzig by Neue Kammer + Friends, conducted by Franziska Kuba.
Watch the YouTube video-score.
Neue Kammer + Friends, conducted by Franziska Kuba.
Available from the composer
SATB chorus [c. 3:00]
With a text drawn from Satish Kumar, this anthem was commissioned by the Alexander Post Fund of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, Mark Sumner, Music Director, who premiered the work.
[Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting]
Available from the composer
Cantor/SATB/congregation, piano, optional oboe [c. 3:45]
The Exodus canticle for the Easter Vigil, in a vigorous setting with choral, chant-like verses, was commissioned by Holy Family Cathedral, Orange, CA.
Excerpt performed by singers from Holy Family Cathedral, conducted by Matt Gray.]
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G-3879
(cantor/congregation edition # G-3880)
SATB or cantor/congregation, optional keyboard [c. 3:40]
With words and music by Paul and Carol Gibson, these prayerful invocations center the assembly and call upon the presence of the Holy Spirit. Easy congregational responses alternate with choir, capped by a beautiful choral coda.
[Excerpt from A Mass of Life, G.I.A. #CD-289.]
Available from the composer
SATB/congregation, organ, brass quintet, optional timpani [c. 6:00]
Using an original text by J. Michael Thompson, this special “Llanfair” arrangement was commissioned by Holy Family Cathedral, Orange, to celebrate the silver anniversary of its rector, Rev. Arthur Holquin. The “Ubi caritas” chant is woven unobtrusively throughout the piece.
(Four excerpts realized with Sibelius Sounds)
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G-3878
Cantor/congregation, organ [c. 3:40]
This setting of the Psalm for Pentecost is flowing, melodic, and contemplative.
[Excerpt from A Mass of Life, G.I.A. #CD-289.]
unison voices, flute, brass quartet, organ [c. 4:00]
Using the beautiful tune BEACH SPRING from the Sacred Harp, this Festive Hymn Setting was commissioned by Frank Brownstead, music director of Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles.
[Frank Brownstead rehearses singers and instrumentalists at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles.]
Available from the composer
SATB, tambourine, optional keyboard [c. 3:15]
Setting a text from St. Martin-in-the-Fields, this high energy Christmas anthem is highly rhythmic and syncopated. Verses are very conscious of taking Jesus’ message of love, justice, and peace to the whole world.
Available from the composer
SATB chorus [c. 5:15]
With words attributed to Pope Gregory I and translated by John Mason Neale (1818–1866), “O Blest Creator of the Light” is presented as a hymn with variations.
[Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting]
Available from the composer
SATB chorus and organ [c. 6:30]
An exuberant Magnificat is paired with an appropriately reflective Nunc Dimittis that have subtle musical connections.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5175
TBB, unaccompanied [c. 8:00]
Composed for and premiered by Paul Salamunovich and the Loyola Marymount Men’s Chorus, this brief setting (in English) is based on a beautiful Epiphany chant and alternates moments of exhilarating power with prayerful repose.
“The Kyrie is like incense rising up to heaven.” – Paul Salamunovich
[sample excerpted from A Mass of Life, CD-289 from G.I.A.]
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G-3535
Cantor/SATB/congregation, organ, optional trumpet, opt. brass [c. 14:30]
This complete Mass, including a setting of Eucharistic Prayer II, synthesizes traditional and contemporary styles. Highly effective brass writing points up its lively rhythmic energy.
“A consistently rewarding, deeply moving work.” ( Jim Svejda, author and classical radio host, The Record Shelf)
“Delicate balance between the festive and the simple. Contrasts are superb.” (Robert Kreutz, composer)
[Excerpt of Gloria from A Mass of Life, G.I.A. #CD-289.]
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G3358
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:00]
This tender, flowing anthem is especially suited for moments of meditation and reflection.
See and hear it on YouTube.
[Excerpt from A Mass of Life, G.I.A. #CD-289]
Available from the composer
Cantor/SATB, piano, oboe [c. 7:00, w. reading]
Commissioned by Holy Family Cathedral, Orange, CA , these musical interjections for the first reading of the Easter Vigil begin with a single note on the oboe, calling forth from a primordial past the mystery and wonder of Creation.
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7876
TTBB, English horn [c. 2:35]
A vigorous, joyful setting of a traditional English text, designed to maximize the rich sound of a men’s chorus. Selected by the Texas Choral Directors Association, performed at St. Olaf College’s Christmas Festival, and at the national ACDA conference in Minneapolis by St. Olaf.
See and hear the score on YouTube.
[performed by The Singers (Minneapolis, MN); Matthew Culloton, conductor; Marni Hougham, English horn]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7970
SATB, flute [c. 2:50]
In the form of a carol, this is a reflective look back on the original Christmas night from the vantage point of a bitter winter. The text comes from the hymn “The Winter Night” (1917) by Louis Fitzgerald Benson.
Watch and listen to the score on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble, Vanessa Holroyd, flute, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
Available from the composer
SATB/congregation, organ, brass quartet, timpani [c. 8:30]
To celebrate Bishop McFarland’s 25th anniversary as bishop and 50th as priest, Holy Family Cathedral, Orange, CA, commissioned this triumphant and stirring setting of “Hyfrydol” to words by Peter Scagnelli.
[Excerpt from rehearsal at Holy Family Cathedral, Matt Gray, director.]
Available from the composer
Cantor (opt. duet)/congregation, organ, flute [c. 2:30]
Simple, melodic setting of the Holy Thursday psalm, commissioned by Our Lady Queen of Angels, Newport Beach, CA, Dr. Patricia Lamb, Music Director.
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 5987
SAB, organ [c. 6:00]
Commissioned by their children to honor Warren and Alice Sautebin, this relatively easy setting of the beloved psalm includes a flowing refrain that incorporates the tune Amsterdam, making a connection to the Moravian tradition to which the dedicatees belong.
[Excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble (Jennifer Lester, conductor) for ECS.]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7878
SATB, brass quartet (or organ) OR double choir [c. 2:40]
The widely sung 16th-century English anthem Rejoice in the Lord Alway can now be performed in double choir fashion using this setting. The first choir is the original SATB setting; the second choir can be performed by brass (or any other quartet of instruments) or simply organ. Text is included for those who actually use two separate SATB choirs.
“… breathes exciting new life into a classic Tudor anthem. Paul has ingeniously crafted four new vocal (or instrumental) lines to create a gorgeous double-choir setting of the original four-part work. This blending of ancient and new was a big hit … at Walt Disney Concert Hall!”
– Grant Gershon, Artistic Director, Los Angeles Master Chorale
[double choir version performed by the Philovox Ensemble, Robert Schuneman, director]
Available from MusicSpoke
SATB, trumpet in B-flat [c. 3:00]
A tender Christmas lullaby is combined with a solo trumpet, which is playing “Lo, How a Rose ‘Ere Blooming.” Mary Breden led her Consort Singers of Loyola Marymount University and trumpeter Sarah Bauza in the premiere at their 2018 Christmas program.
On YouTube here
Loyola Marymount Consort Singers; Sarah Bauza, trumpet; Mary Breden, conductor
Available from the composer
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 5:30]
A tender Christmas lullaby on a text by Colin Sterne.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
E.C. Schirmer - Catalog #7681
SATB chorus, unaccompanied [c. 2:30]
A vigorous, ecstatic setting of the Latin hymn by Hildegard of Bingen, the translation of which begins, “Holy Spirit, life-giving Life, moving in all things and root of all that is created…”
Watch and hear the score on YouTube.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
ECS Publishing – Catalog # 7877
TTBB, English horn [c 3:00]
Reflective and gentle, this setting of Quae stella sole pulchrior, by Charles Coffin (1736), as translated by John Chandler (1837), features a chant-like melody.
See the video score on YouTube.
[performed by The Singers (Minneapolis, MN); Matthew Culloton, conductor; Marni Hougham, English horn]
Available from the composer
Three-part treble voices [c. 4:30]
A flowing Spanish setting from Psalm 90 (91):
The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.
Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller conducting
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 6549
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 2:50]
An old German Christmas poem inspired a bouncy, lilting melody for this charming motet in a neo-Praetorius style, culminating with a joyous cascade of “Alleluias.” (German or English) Performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, under Grant Gershon, at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
“An exquisitely crafted jewel of a carol, both original and timeless…a fresh and welcome addition to the a cappella Christmas repertoire.” – Grant Gershon, Artistic Director, Los Angeles Master Chorale
[Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller, conductor]
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 7862
SATB, organ, opt. brass quintet [c.6:30]
An original text is set to several melodies, including the plainchant “Jesu dulcis memoria” and the traditional hymn “Jesus Christ is Ris’n Today.” This anthem, which grows from pre-dawn quiet to a raucous shout of “Alleluia,” was commissioned for Easter 2000 by St. Matthew’s Parish, Pacific Palisades, CA.
[excerpt performed by the Philovox Ensemble with organist Heinrich Christensen, conducted by Robert Schuneman]
ECS Publishing - Catalog # 5179
SATB, unaccompanied [c. 3:00]
Commissioned by Holy Family Cathedral, Orange, CA, this rich choral enhancement of the Gregorian Pentecost Sequence may be sung in Latin or in a new English version that adheres to the accents of the original. Chosen by Creator magazine as one of the 10 Best Sacred Works of 2001.
“A chant-based but harmonically accessible anthem which would work well in the context of Pentecost’s ‘mystery.’ Well done.” (Creator magazine)
[Excerpt performed by Philovox of Boston (Jennifer Lester, conductor) for ECS.]
MorningStar - Catalog # MSM-50-3018
SATB, optional keyboard [c. 8:30]
The solemn atmosphere evoked by Clark Gibson’s dark, reflective text – inspired by Biblical imagery – is heightened by this haunting choral setting. Suitable for Good Friday and other times in Holy Week.
[Excerpt performed by Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller, conductor.]
G.I.A. Publications - Catalog # G-3905
SATB or cantor/optional congregation, keyboard [c. 3:15]
With words and music by Paul and Carol Gibson, this choral Communion processional in a flowing, contemporary style is suitable for almost any time of the year.
[Excerpt performed by the Cathedral Singers (Richard Proulx, director) for G.I.A.]
