O Clap Your Hands: A Musical Tour of Sacred Choral Works

Western sacred music is filled with extraordinary individuals who have submitted their talents to God. From Monteverdi to Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninoff to Virgil Thomson, and from Renaissance Italy to contemporary America, Gordon Giles takes you on a musical journey of discovery, exploring the spiritual and historical meaning of thirty of the most important anthems in Christian tradition.

Accompanied by a full-length CD by the acclaimed choir, Gloriæ Dei Cantores, Gordon Giles' O Clap Your Hands unlocks thirty of the great anthems of the church for their hidden meanings, offering spiritual reflections and prayers, and enabling you to fully engage with the musical theology and history of beloved choral works.

"This superb collection is a gem. Giles's prose is colorful, his conclusions about the works and the composers convincing, and his knowledge extensive. The reader will be drawn to the musical literature, so richly enhanced by Gloriae Dei Cantores' legendary interpretation of the works. No musician working in a place where sacred music is taught and practiced will want to be without this collection."
--Gerre Hancock, Professor of Organ and Sacred Music, The School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin

"Gordon Giles's perceptive and insightful commentaries enhance our appreciation and understanding of these works, especially when listening to the glorious CD performances. This is an inspiring resource for personal devotion, prayer and reflection, encouraging us to know the way to heaven's door."
--John Scott, Organist and Director of Music, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue