Scapulis Suis

Description

Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2 — The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions,and you will find refuge under his wings.His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.Psalm 91:4-5xa0To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart.What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren’t alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong.The first word – scapulis – is translated as “pinions.” On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section – mm. 1-20 – encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort.In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text – and you will find refuge under his wings – is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs:Alto I – Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabisSoprano II – Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabisSoprano I – Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabisxa0The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress.The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase.The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance – Felix Mendelssohn’s Lift Thine Eyes. For the more advanced treble choir, Burrows' SSAA setting of this psalm of hope calms and satisfies the soul, bringing comfort to the listener. The accessible ranges afford treble choirs of all sizes opportunities to express compassion and empathy. Appropriate throughout the year and highly recommended.

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