For Three-part Equal or Mixed Voices, a cappella
Words by John Quincy Adams
Music by Daniel C. Meyer
Although best known as the sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams' great desire was to write poetry; upon hearing his words set to music by one of his contemporaries, he exclaimed his delight "as the organ pealed and the choir of voices sung the praise of Almighty God from the soul of David, adapted to my native tongue by me." This setting was written for SAB choir; however, it could be sung by an SSA ensemble as well. The tune is original, but Meyer has written in the style of the music that Adams might have heard in his day.