Hymn anthem

Hymn anthem is a choral form used by composers in setting hymns, metrical psalms, and religious poetry, using the associated hymn tune or composing original music. While English composers were among the first to write hymn anthems, the form is especially popular in the United States, where it has become a principal type of published sacred choral music. One category of hymn anthem includes works based on both a hymn text and hymn tune. As with concertato hymn settings*, composers of this type of hymn anthem frequently employ free harmonizations, changing instrumentation and textures, varied choral settings, descants, key changes, and congregational participation to create musical variety...