Come, Ye Disconsolate
On July 27, 2013 a coach bus on its return trip from summer camp to Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN lost its brakes and crashed less than a mile from the church. God was pleased to take four of His children home to be with Him. I had attended Colonial Hills Baptist Church when I lived near Indianapolis in the 1990’s. Now six hundred miles away in Greenville, SC, I felt helpless to do anything for my brothers and sisters in Christ who were hurting. I wrote “Come, Ye Disconsolate” trusting the Lord would use it to bring some comfort to my Indiana family. I dedicate this piece to Tanya Weindorf, Chad and Courtney Phelps and their unborn child, who died serving their Lord and the young people they loved.
Publisher’s Note
“Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying, ‘Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot cure.'” In response to the deepest longing of the human heart, David Rasbach has written his own emotive melody on a beloved text. This is the healing balm for the anguished believer, offered during times of grief, confession, or invitation to the Lord’s table. A vivid reminder of the watch care of a loving God over His people.
J. W. Pepper Editor’s Choice I wrote “Depth of Mercy” in 2003 when I was working on my Master’s Recital with my mentor, Dr. Dwight Gustafson, former Dean of the School of Music at Bob Jones University. “Dr. Gus” was a brilliant man, a kind and patient teacher, and a godly example of a humble servant of the Lord. I’ve dedicated “Depth of Mercy” to his memory. “Can there be mercy still reserved for me?” This sensitive text written by Charles Wesley speaks to the question, how can God love a sinner such as me? When beautiful text is paired with simple and elegant music, the result can only be Depth of Mercy.“Jesus weeps and loves me still.” Scored for SATB voices, piano and optional string quartet or string orchestra. Perfect for Good Friday or any Lenten service.
NEW! Depth of Mercy
Publisher’s Note
NEW! Everlasting Life
J. W. Pepper Editor’s Choice
Originally written for a Rushingbrook Children’s Choir Christmas recording, “The Most Wonderful Birthday of All,” this version from Beckenhorst Press is scored for SATB choir and is appropriate for any worship service or choral concert.
Publisher’s Note
“God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” This extraordinary verse from John 3 is so beautifully expressed in music that all who sing, perform and hear it will experience this gospel message as never before. Scored for SATB voices and piano, composer David Rasbach pairs voices and accompaniment as equal partners in delivering what many consider to be the purest example of love. An exceptional composition!
Every Knee Shall Bow
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice
While collaborating with my friend Phil Gingery on a hymnal for his church, Phil introduced me to this wonderful text. I was so taken with it that I had to try and set it to music. It is dedicated to my very good friend and long-time (and very patient) mentor, Joan Pinkston.
Publisher’s Note
“A beautiful anthem of commitment and dedication, scored for SATB choir and keyboard. Easily accessible and suitable for any occasion of worship.”
Fairest of Ten Thousand
Publisher’s Note:
A straightforward and timeless setting which celebrates the beauty of this hymn’s melody and poetry. The composer has written a flowing piano accompaniment with the right balance of traditional and unexpected harmonies. Expert vocal part-writing. Will be a rich addition to your choral library.
How Can I Keep From Singing?
Written for Bob Jones Academy Chorale, this song expresses the simple, profound reason for joyful living (not to mention that a choir of Christian students should have a reason to joyfully sing!): Since Love is Lord of Heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
Listen to Bob Jones Academy Chorale sing How Can I Keep From Singing.
NEW! How Great Our Joy!
I wrote “How Great Our Joy!” for my Bob Jones Academy Chorale to sing for one of our Christmas Concerts. It was a “joyful” introduction to music in mixed meter (and a fine time was had by all–no, really–we learned to enjoy scrambling our brains!)
Publisher’s Note
“This amazing rhythmic setting of the traditional German carol scored for SATB mixed voices with piano, the 7/8 meter provides new life to a work known to many of us. A good high school choir would really take to this piece!”
Hush, My Dear, Lie Still and Slumber
was written for the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir. The gentle text by Isaac Watts reminds children that Jesus “became a child like Thee.” I dedicated this lullaby to my sister, who has twenty-four children (she and her family are missionaries in Brazil)!
Listen to the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir sing Hush, My Dear
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
The first verse has a new tune; the second verse makes use of the familiar tune ELLACOMBE; then in verse three the two tunes combine (another fine mess!).
Publisher’s Note
“This inspiring new setting of Issac Watts’s well-known hymn is both rewarding and satisfying! David Rasbach lifts this anthem to new heights with creative choral writing in mixed meter and a majestic orchestration. The keyboard parts undergird the vocal parts amazingly well and energize the singers and listeners until the final measures! This joyful setting will add a festive air to any worship service.”