Let us build a house

Let us build a house is the closing hymn of Kim André Arnesen’s large-scale work, The Stranger. Instead of a typical majestic ending to a large work, Arnesen went for a quiet one with only an unaccompanied choir. As the composer comments, ‘sometimes a message feels stronger like that and makes us listen more carefully’. The text is from the hymn by Marty Haugen, which concludes ‘Let us bring an end to fear and danger: All are welcome in this place.’ A stillness and serenity pervades this short piece, suitable for intermediate choirs.