Listening to Randall Thompson and singing “Alleluia!”

This evening, I am enjoying some of the works of Randall Thompson and wanted to share them with my friends.

Randall Thompson (April 21, 1899 – July 9, 1984) was an American composer, particularly noted for his choral works. He was an educator and a composer who had great interest in vocal pedagogy.

Perhaps his greatest and most memorable work was, "Alleluia." It is certainly my favorite.

One word, repeated over and over and it says enough. It fact, it is the most oft repeated word of praise in Heaven according to the book of Revelation:

Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

Revelation 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice
of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

In composing "The Peaceable Kingdom" Thompson first viewed the visual masterpiece by Edward Hicks. The theme struck a chord within him as he considered the final vindication of the righteous and he prepared himself by reading the book of Isaiah – all 60 chapters. As he did so, certain passages spoke to him and he composed his cantata based upon those words.

Alleluia