Craig Courtney - Beckenhorst Press

[@nathanmeyer4539]

I’ve always liked “I Will Rise” and “Father of Light”. Very beautiful compositions.

[@Skipbo000]

Yes, in fact I would say that it's probably time for a change at Beckenhorst. John also believed that just because you were in church didn't mean everything had to be so somber, slow and boring. His unique writing style often made sure no one was going to dose during the anthem. Ness Beck was bold. He wanted to excite you and there are not all that many pieces which have been added to the catalog that have that same verocity. We haven't had a Thomas "O Clap Your Hands" or a Ness Beck "Song of Exaltation" in a long, long time. Choirs now are kept in their place, never too bold, it must be beautiful, well written and usually soft and contemplative. Pieces start sounding all the same or like something you've heard before and the end result is, "eh...." I had a collegue who asked me once, "when's the last time you saw a Beckenhorst anthem with a high Bflat or a C in it?" Just an interesting observation. Ness Beck was never shy about such things. He believed that if you didn't have a choir that could sing it, then you need to get to work and recruite one. When I think of Beckenhorst, I think of safe, moderate anthems that will get the job done but probably won't be the most exciting thing you've ever heard. Ness Beck was never "safe."