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 newest post, download a few of my works that speak to a time of violence and war, and listen to songs of comfort and new life. Psalm 46, which gives hope and encouragement, was sung in my setting from 2017 at the conclusion of the 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
You may now order my new hymn collection at the Augsburg Fortress website! I hope that you will enjoy exploring this new resource for faith and life! Here is the publisher description: “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. While maintaining our home here in Staunton, we will begin a new adventure next year as Visiting Professor and Instructor of Church Music in the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South. We will plan and lead music for daily prayer in the Chapel of the Apostles, teach courses in church music and chanting, and conduct the seminary Chapel Choir for eucharists and the university Schola at weekly evensong in All Saints’ Chapel.
Featured Works
A recent Bach Cantata vespers at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, IL, ended with my lavish hymn arrangement of Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. You may listen to the performance of September 25 at this YouTube link (1:32:41). I had two premiere performances this past year at First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD: a children’s anthem, God So Loved the World, and an expanded hymn setting of Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! The Kammerchor of Concordia University Wisconsin gave a moving performance of Our Father on their Home Concert. The Gliss String Quartet performed Danielle’s Processional on a March concert in Hagerstown, MD. The Choral Society of Durham Chamber Choir performed Our Father (at 29:05) on their 2021 May concert. The choir of Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, IL, sang my settings of Psalm 150 and When in Our Music God Is Glorified (at 30:15). A Women and a Coin (2-pt mixed) is now 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 March on a Saturday close to Bach’s birthday (March 21). In 2023–the 300th anniversary of Bach’s arrival in Leipzig–we will perform Cantatas 42 and 67 to highlight the theme of peace. Come join us March 18, 2003, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, Staunton, VA.
Paul D. Weber 