A Mighty Fortress and Other Anthem Addictions

Today was the new chapel auditorium dedication service at IWU. Though I don't normally get to go to chapel, I went today since the entire campus was invited to be part of the dedication. Our Chorale sang, which of course took me back to the days of being a Chorale groupie. My college roommate was in Chorale, and for a couple of years I went to hear them anytime they were within decent driving distance.

Of course they always sound great (to me, anyway), but I have to say I was sorely disappointed that they didn't sing A Mighty Fortress. It's their signature song and I couldn't believe it wasn't part of the dedication service. So I appreciated what they sang and then came home to watch them sing A Mighty Fortress on YouTube. :)

I would put it on here for you, but I have absolutely no idea how to do that.

I read through the comments about that song and was surprised to see so many people did not like the arrangement - or rather, the speed - of the song. I won't lie...it's a quick one. But fast or slow, it's a fantastic arrangement that gives me goose bumps at the end every time. I also found the same arrangement by a different college choir...at a normal speed, and I loved that one, too.

This brings me to the place where I feel I must admit I have an anthem addiction. I love choral songs, and the grander they are, the more I love them. Dad has a radio program, which I listen to faithfully so I can pick on him about things he says, but I adore the weeks when he plays all choir music. I just love the full sound and the big notes.

This might also explain why I was such a huge fan of Steve Green and Sandi Patty as I grew up. They had the best BGV's in the world. Huge, huge sounds to back up their equally huge voices. Still love to listen to those arrangements.

As with my admission to Beth Moore that furniture rearrangement addiction is not the worst sickness in the world...I declare anthem addiction to be one of the better addictions to have. And whether you're a fan of fast or slow, you should go to YouTube and find the IWU Chorale version of A Mighty Fortress. Goose bumps!