Composer of sacred texts for professional & amateur choirs
Conductor of college, church, & community ensembles
Welcome!
Welcome to my website! I am delighted to share my compositions with you, and in the process, form new relationships as well as renew old friendships! On the Reflections page you can read the latest post, download a few of my works, and listen to pieces of comfort and new life. Here is a brief setting of Psalm 46 that was sung at Lutheran Summer Music Academy:
I invite you to browse my catalog and listen to posted recordings. There are a variety of levels and styles represented. A School Music List for educators is available here. I am available to compose a new work for your ensemble, sit in on a rehearsal, or conduct a performance. Please contact me if you are interested in further information, if you wish to peruse a score, or would like to perform one of my works. I look forward to hearing from you!
Blessings and Peace, Paul
RAABE PRIZE Interview on “Arise, Shine!”
In 2003 I was awarded the Raabe Prize by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians for my a cappella anthem, “Arise, Shine!” based on Isaiah 60 and the final stanza of Philipp Nicolai’s chorale, “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star.” I encourage you to watch the interview on YouTube and listen to the recording of “Arise, Shine!” by the A Cappella Choir of Lenoir-Rhyne University, as well as its liturgical rendering entitled, “Canticle for Epiphany.” Both are appropriate for this season of the new year. In addition, I have combined elements of both versions into an SATB anthem accompanied by organ or piano, oboe, and a few handbells. Please contact me if you wish to secure a perusal copy of this anthem. Happy Epiphany!
You may order my hymn collection at Augsburg Fortress and download individual hymn texts at onelicense.net and graphic files at sundaysandseasons.com or directly from me using the contact page. I hope that you will enjoy this new resource for faith and life! Recently I enjoyed leading fourteen informal “Hymn Sings” across the southeast to introduce the hymnary and to emphasize the importance of congregational song. If your church would like such a workshop in the future, please use the contact page to make a request.
Here is the publisher description of the hymnary: “As a pastor and musician, Paul Weber’s hymn writing is patterned after Luther’s conviction for spiritual songs that reflect a strong theological foundation, an esteem for the historic liturgy, and an understanding of the importance of congregational song for faith and worship. The tunes in this collection of 91 hymns were composed by Weber, who also wrote several of the texts. Other text writers include: Madelaine L’Engle, Gracia Grindal, Jaroslav Vajda, and Rusty Edwards. Also included are a topical index, background notes on the hymns, and a brief essay entitled “A Biblical Basis for the Church’s Song.” Skillfully written in traditional hymn style, this collection adds a wealth of new and creative music to the church’s song.”
Life in Staunton
After teaching at Lenoir-Rhyne University for twenty years, I retired in 2016 and moved with my wife Florence to Staunton, Virginia, where we enjoy the mountains, the artsy town with its foodie restaurants, Taylor & Boody tracker organs, concerts of the Staunton Music Festival and Heifetz International Institute, and the amazing productions of the American Shakespeare Center. We just completed an adventure as Visiting Professors of Church Music in the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South, but are now back in Staunton or on side trips to visit family, especially our new granddaughter!
Featured Works
The Chicago Choral Artists beautifully performed my a cappella setting of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” on their Christmas program. My jubilant setting of Psalm 150 is now available from MorningStar Music. You may perform it with choir and organ and trumpet, organ alone, or add a string quartet. Psalm 150 is the “psalm of psalms,” so use it for any occasion of praise and thanksgiving! A Bach Cantata Vespers at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, IL, ended with my hymn tune Come, Share the Spirit (text by Gracia Grindal) that appears in my new hymnary. You may listen to the performance at this YouTube link (1:34:36). A Women and a Coin (2-pt mixed) is available from Augsburg as also Day of Delight and Beauty Unbounded. Other church works may be found at MorningStar Music and Concordia Publishing House.
Florence and I collaborate with the Heifetz International Institute to sponsor twelve hours of performances devoted to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Staunton’s Bach Around the Clock takes place each year on a Saturday close to Bach’s birthday (March 21). On March 16, 2024 we will perform Cantata 131 to highlight our world’s need for help and mercy, especially in light of the ravages of violence and war. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.”
Paul D. Weber 