Sheet Music: GENEVAN 47 for Four Hands

GENEVAN 47 was composed by Louis Bourgeois, who in the early- and mid-sixteenth century compiled early Calvinist tunes. It is most commonly known by Protestants from its first line “Peoples, Clap your Hands!” or “Nations, Clap your Hands!”

This four-hands arrangement can be used as an offertory, standalone special music, or prelude. If your congregation isn’t familiar with GENEVAN 47, consider using this arrangement to sneakily familiarize them with the tune.

The lyrical melody of GENEVAN 47 is accompanied by bold, exciting rhythms that evoke images of dancing and merriment. In this arrangement, the simple harmonization amplifies the piece’s irregular rhythms, pulsing hits, and forward momentum, drawing the listener into its namesake: “Clap your hands… and shout to God!” (Ps. 47:1).