Robert Powell Biography
ROBERT J. POWELL was born in 1932 in Benoit, Mississippi. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ and Composition from Louisiana State University in 1954 and a Master of Sacred Music from the Union Theological Seminary School of Sacred Music in New York in 1958.
He has approximately 300 works in print, including choral, vocal solo, organ, handbells, and instrumental music, published by major American and English church music publishers.
Mr. Powell has held positions including Director of Music, Organist, and Choirmaster at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Meridian, Mississippi; St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire; and Christ Church in Greenville, South Carolina. He currently serves as Organist at Trinity United Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina.
He has received the Certificates of Fellow (FAGO) and Choirmaster (ChM) from the American Guild of Organists, and also served on the organization's National Certification Committee from 2000 to 2005. He is also a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and has received its Standard Music Award for the last 35 years.
Robert is married and has three children and four grandchildren.
Works by Robert Powell
Based on the setting of Psalm 36 found in the 1912 Psalter, this work praises the Lord for his unfailing love. At under two minutes in length, this piece works well as an introit or song of assurance.Its straightforward harmonies and piano accompaniment make it approachable for any choir.
Based on Psalm 16, the text of this song is a prayer for protection and of praise. Starting in C minorand ending in the relative major of E-flat, the music reflects the text's shift from a plea for deliverance to the Psalmist's sure knowledge of God's faithfulness.
This work is written for SATB choir with organ accompaniment, and is around 2.5 minutes in length.