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Precious Lord, Take My Hand
for High Voice and Piano
This expressive setting of Thomas A. Dorsey’s beloved gospel hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand is arranged for medium voice and piano and dedicated to The Rev. Ernest Adriel Carpenter.
Marked Slow at approximately quarter note = 60, the arrangement unfolds with an unhurried, prayerful character. A substantial piano introduction establishes the harmonic atmosphere before the solo voice enters with the familiar plea, “Precious Lord, take my hand.” Throughout the setting, the piano does more than simply accompany the melody: flowing bass lines, sustained harmonies, chordal responses, and changes of register create a rich foundation beneath the vocal line.
The three verses form a natural emotional progression. The opening speaks from weariness and struggle, asking to be led “through the storm” and “through the night.” The second verse becomes increasingly personal as the singer asks for comfort when life is nearly gone, while the final stanza turns toward darkness, the approaching end of day, and the image of standing “at the river.”
Dynamic contrasts and moments of rhythmic freedom give the singer room for expressive interpretation, while the piano writing grows and recedes with the emotional intensity of the text. In the closing measures, repeated pauses, a ritardando, and a return to tempo allow the final words “Lord, lead me home” to settle into a quiet, reflective conclusion.
Reverent, intimate, and deeply personal, this arrangement is well suited to worship, memorial and funeral services, sacred recitals, and other occasions calling for a solo setting of one of the most enduring prayers in the gospel tradition.
LISTEN
MIDI demo recording
LISTEN TO THE DEMO →
One purchase includes an unlimited-copy license for one purchaser and one organization.
Your purchase permits you to print or reproduce as many copies as needed for use by your ensemble or organization. The license is limited to the purchasing individual and one affiliated organization and may not be transferred, shared with another organization, resold, or distributed outside that organization.
Digital PDF download including:
Full score
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
for High Voice and Piano
This expressive setting of Thomas A. Dorsey’s beloved gospel hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand is arranged for medium voice and piano and dedicated to The Rev. Ernest Adriel Carpenter.
Marked Slow at approximately quarter note = 60, the arrangement unfolds with an unhurried, prayerful character. A substantial piano introduction establishes the harmonic atmosphere before the solo voice enters with the familiar plea, “Precious Lord, take my hand.” Throughout the setting, the piano does more than simply accompany the melody: flowing bass lines, sustained harmonies, chordal responses, and changes of register create a rich foundation beneath the vocal line.
The three verses form a natural emotional progression. The opening speaks from weariness and struggle, asking to be led “through the storm” and “through the night.” The second verse becomes increasingly personal as the singer asks for comfort when life is nearly gone, while the final stanza turns toward darkness, the approaching end of day, and the image of standing “at the river.”
Dynamic contrasts and moments of rhythmic freedom give the singer room for expressive interpretation, while the piano writing grows and recedes with the emotional intensity of the text. In the closing measures, repeated pauses, a ritardando, and a return to tempo allow the final words “Lord, lead me home” to settle into a quiet, reflective conclusion.
Reverent, intimate, and deeply personal, this arrangement is well suited to worship, memorial and funeral services, sacred recitals, and other occasions calling for a solo setting of one of the most enduring prayers in the gospel tradition.
LISTEN
MIDI demo recording
LISTEN TO THE DEMO →
One purchase includes an unlimited-copy license for one purchaser and one organization.
Your purchase permits you to print or reproduce as many copies as needed for use by your ensemble or organization. The license is limited to the purchasing individual and one affiliated organization and may not be transferred, shared with another organization, resold, or distributed outside that organization.
Digital PDF download including:
Full score