He that dwelleth in the secret place SATB (with divisi) - Becky McGlade
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M060137563
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A contemplative and affecting setting of the opening two verses of Psalm 91, which tells of God’s protection for those who follow Him, by Cornish composer Becky McGlade, one of the fine emerging voices in the choral world today. The opening section is underpinned by pedal notes in alto and bass, around which the melody weaves, a characteristic which returns in the closing sections, repeating the opening verse of the psalm. The gentle dissonances, occasional shifting tonalities and subtle textural variations are characteristic of McGlade’s music, as is the frequently changing metre. These serve the text and raise the effectiveness of the piece in portraying the meaning of the words in such a beautiful manner. A highly effective short motet, suitable for liturgical and concert performance by intermediate choirs.
Duration: ca. 3.30 min.
Composer’s note
Psalm 91 has long been my favourite and when pondering possible texts for an uplifting anthem, it seemed an obvious choice. I intended initially to use more of the text, but the first two verses proved more than ample. The first section of my setting has an almost chant-like quality, beginning with the tenors and basses a bare 4th apart. The altos join and reiterate the first line of the psalm, again chanting a single note. In this static melody I hoped to convey a sense of lingering – dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.
Things become more varied melodically in the middle section of the piece and the music intensifies harmonically to reach a climax in bar 50, where the opening ideas and text return, but now in a higher key and with a fuller sound. A few bars later the sound drops away and there is a more intimate feel to the music as the lower parts provide a homophonic backdrop to the soprano melody. The music ends softly and peacefully at rest, under the shadow of the Almighty.
Text
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.
Psalm 91, vv1–2 (King James Version)
Productdetail
Composer(s):
Publisher(s):
Publishernumber:
M060137563
Instrument(s):
ISBN:
9781784546236
9790060137563
Number:
928635
Theme(s):
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