Version 1
Scoring: SATB a cappella
Date: 2024Here is a setting of Psalm 139, in two versions, which begins "O Lord, you have searched me out and known me." The psalm is a deeply personal reflection by the psalmist on the "wonder of my being" and on the inescapability of God's love, wherever we might try to hide, and whatever we might do ourselves or might experience - even death. This gentle setting uses the full range of all four/three choral voices, with just a few divisi passages near the end of the composition in the lower parts. The pslam should be sung meditatively, without too much drama, even in the fortissimo passages, aiming for a sense of wonder and inner peace.
Full version
Soprano
Alto
Bass
Here is a setting of Psalm 139, which begins "O Lord, you have searched me out and known me." The psalm is a deeply personal reflection by the psalmist on the "wonder of my being" and on the inescapability of God's love, wherever we might try to hide, and whatever we might do ourselves or might experience - even death. This gentle setting uses the full range of all four choral voices, with just one divisi passage at the end of the composition in the tenor and bass parts. The piece should be sung meditatively, without too much drama, even in the fortissimo passages, aiming for a sense of wonder and inner peace.
Version 2
Scoring: SABar and piano
Date: 2024Here is a setting of Psalm 139, which begins "O Lord, you have searched me out and known me." The psalm is a deeply personal reflection by the psalmist on the "wonder of my being" and on the inescapability of God's love, wherever we might try to hide, and whatever we might do ourselves or might experience - even death. This gentle setting uses the full range of all four choral voices, with just one divisi passage at the end of the composition in the tenor and bass parts. The piece should be sung meditatively, without too much drama, even in the fortissimo passages, aiming for a sense of wonder and inner peace.
Psalm 139
O Lord, you have searched me out and known me;
you know all my sitting down and rising;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You mark all journeys and my resting place
and are acquanited with all my ways.
For not a word is on my tongue
but, Lord, you know it altogether.
You encompass me, behind and before me,
you lay you hand upon me.
O where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I climb up to heaven you are there;
you are there if the grave is where I lie.
If I take the wings of the morning,
or dwell in the depths of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
your right hand hold me fast.
You created my innermost parts;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I thank you for the wonder of my being,
I marvel at all your works.
Amen.
Philip, this piece is so beautiful! It is very lyrical and has a timbre and lightness to it that make it a delightful listen, even with only the playback sounds on the video. I really hope this gets sung because I'd love to hear it!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad you think it works. Yes, I too am hoping some choir somewhere will sing it!
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