How Blest Are They

Frankly, I love this anthem. I am not unbiased, because I have great appreciation for the artistry, integrity, and friendship of the composer, Claude Bass. Furthermore, the dedication line above the title indicates that the anthem was commissioned to honor another dear friend from Ft. Worth, TX, Rhealene Stewart. This Psalm setting (Rhealene's favorite Psalm) was written for the occasion of her 40th Anniversary as Organist at University Baptist Church, Ft. Worth, but by the time the anthem was actually published just a few weeks later, Rhealene had lost her long battle with cancer.

Rhealene was an elegant, classy gal, one whose quiet faith propelled her to do countless "little things" for other people: church members, private piano students, struggling seminarians, colleagues in the Ft. Worth musical community, and members of her own family. As it turns out, those "little things" turned out to be substantial investments and timely gifts for critical hours.

It is only fitting that I would want my students to experience the beauty of this Psalm setting the same way I benefited from the beauty of this deeply committed saint.

Claude Bass is an impeccable craftsman of quality choral music. There is so much music in every phrase that it will challenge any director to discover it and bring it out of the choir. Gentle, lovely lines and rich harmonies make this another one of Bass' distinctive creations.