I Can Only Imagine — Orchestra, Choir & Piano Sheet Music
The transcendent MercyMe anthem, arranged for full orchestra and SATB choir by Paul Lorenz — performance-ready for concert hall, cathedral, and ceremony
Written in ten minutes on a tour bus while Bart Millard was still carrying the weight of his father’s death, “I Can Only Imagine” became the most-played Christian song in radio history — and in the hands of a full orchestra and choir, it transcends genre entirely. The question Millard asked — what will it feel like to stand before heaven? — is answered differently when sixty musicians and a choir breathe it to life together. No recording has ever fully captured what that moment becomes in a live hall.
This performance-ready edition, arranged by Paul Lorenz, delivers every dimension that moment demands. From the opening string introduction to the final choral climax, every element has been engraved to MOLA standards — 8.5 mm staves, 600 DPI resolution, rehearsal marks at every major section, measure numbers on every line — so your orchestra and choir can focus entirely on the music, not the manuscript. Whether you are programming a concert, a memorial service, a wedding ceremony, or a liturgical celebration, this is the edition that will be equal to the occasion.
Choose your “I Can Only Imagine” edition
Orchestra, Choir & Piano
€59.90The complete orchestral edition for conductors who need every part on the stand at the first rehearsal. Full conductor’s score plus individually extracted parts for every section — strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, piano, and all four SATB choral voices. Performance license included.
- Instant PDF download
- Secure checkout
- Licensed for performance
Also available for your ensemble
Prefer a different scoring? “I Can Only Imagine” is also published as:
Quality in detail
- Concert-Grade Engraving: MOLA-standard 8.5 mm staves and 600 DPI resolution — every articulation and dynamic marking reads clearly from the stand at any distance.
- Performance License Included: Print rights for your entire ensemble. No separate ASCAP, BMI, or PRS fee required for the arrangement — your rehearsal starts the moment you download.
- Rehearsal-Optimized Score: Alphanumeric rehearsal marks at every major section, measure numbers on every system, and page turns designed for live podium use. Three rehearsals is all you need.
- 600 DPI Print Quality: Crystal-clear at any size from A4 to A3. Equally legible on iPad and tablet for modern stand-free performance.
- Complete Part Extraction: Every orchestral, keyboard, and choral part individually extracted and proofread. No missing pages, no surprises at the first desk read.
- Bespoke Customization Available: Need a saxophone instead of oboe, or a different key for your soloists? Paul Lorenz Music offers personal arrangement edits on request — a capability unique in the industry.
I Can Only Imagine sheet music at a glance
| Song | I Can Only Imagine — MercyMe (Bart Millard, Pete Kipley, Phil Wickham); the most-played Christian song in radio history |
| Arrangement | Full orchestra with SATB choir and piano |
| Arranger | Paul Lorenz — arrangements recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road |
| Scoring | Full A3 conductor’s score plus every orchestral, choral, keyboard, and percussion part individually extracted |
| Difficulty | Grade IV — intermediate to professional ensembles |
| Format | High-resolution PDF — instant download, print- and tablet-ready |
| Licensing | Licensed arrangement; print rights for your ensemble included — report public performances to your PRO (ASCAP/BMI/PRS/GEMA) |
| Price | €59.90 |
Is this edition right for you?
Program this as the emotional summit of a sacred or ceremonial concert, where full orchestra and choir can open the piece up in a way no recording captures. This edition is written for:
- Concert orchestras and choirs closing a programme on a moment of stillness
- Cathedral and church ensembles for Easter, memorial, and liturgical services
- Wedding and ceremony musicians who need concert-grade forces
- Dedicated amateur orchestras with an experienced choir
Need a transposition or a different voicing? Paul Lorenz adapts it on request — just ask before you buy.
What you receive
- The full A3 conductor’s score
- All orchestral, keyboard, percussion, and four SATB choral parts, individually extracted and proofread
- High-resolution PDFs, delivered instantly and yours to keep — no rental
Programming I Can Only Imagine
This is a piece to place at the very end — the moment the hall falls silent. Let the string introduction settle the room, build patiently through the choral entries, and hold the final climax without rushing its resolution. It pairs naturally with sacred repertoire and reflective closers, and rewards an ensemble that can shape dynamics rather than merely play loudly. The alphanumeric rehearsal marks and cued entries make three rehearsals genuinely sufficient. Explore the related arrangements below to build the rest of the programme.
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I Can Only Imagine sheet music — frequently asked questions
What exactly is included in the download?
You receive a complete, performance-ready package: the full conductor’s score in A3 format, all individual orchestral parts (strings, woodwinds, brass, timpani and percussion, harp), the piano part, and all four SATB choral parts — plus a performance license. Everything is delivered as high-resolution PDFs optimized for professional printing and screen reading.
What is the difficulty level of this arrangement?
Grade IV — Intermediate to Professional. The orchestral writing is well within reach of dedicated amateur orchestras and entirely suitable for professional ensembles. The SATB choral parts are accessible to experienced choirs with solid intonation and sight-reading ability.
Do I need a performance license?
Your purchase includes print rights for your ensemble — everything needed to copy, distribute, and rehearse the score. For public performances of this copyrighted work, the performance should be reported to your performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, or PRS). Most concert venues and churches already hold blanket licenses that cover this requirement. Contact us if you need further clarification.
Can the arrangement be customized for my ensemble?
Absolutely. Paul Lorenz Music offers bespoke customization services — a capability unique in the industry. Whether you need alternative instrumentation, transpositions, or adjustments to suit your specific roster, we can tailor this arrangement to your exact requirements. Contact us directly to discuss your needs.
What is your refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of our products, we cannot offer refunds once the download has been accessed. We encourage you to review the score preview carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.