The Church Anthem Handbook

Book excerpt: Lionel Dakers's New Church Anthem Book was hailed on its publication in late 1992 as a milestone. Now Dakers has prepared a practical guide which provides invaluable information about each of the 100 anthems in that book. For each title there is a paragraph--a "program note"--designed to inform and help worship leaders and congregations. This is followed by practical advice for choir directors, singers, and organists in preparing the music. The anthems covered comprise favorites from Tudor times to the present, and worthwhile lesser-known anthems, and the handbook thus can be used to find repertory and to prepare it for performance.