Worthy Is the Lamb

"Worthy Is the Lamb" is a majestic choral anthem by Pepper Choplin that draws its text directly from the Book of Revelation. It opens with a vision of heavenly worship, describing the Lord of Hosts clothed in righteousness and robed in glory. The music builds a sense of awe, inviting the choir to join the voices of "ten thousand times ten thousand" angels gathered around the throne.

In our parishes, this piece is a powerful choice for Easter Sunday, the feast of Christ the King, or any festive Mass where a grand anthem is needed. The vocal parts weave together beautifully, especially in the later sections where the different sections of the choir layer their melodies on top of one another. The sopranos carry the soaring central declaration—that the Lamb who was slain is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, and strength.

The anthem drives toward a thrilling, extended "Amen" sequence that brings the piece to a triumphant close. It requires a bit of rehearsal to balance the overlapping polyphonic parts, but the result is a deeply moving experience for both the singers in the loft and the congregation listening below.