Psalm 121

Choristers Guild

Unison/2-part, piano

A beautiful selection for older elementary choirs, this anthem combines modern harmonies with a flowing melody and timeless text. The optional second vocal part creates an echo effect that illustrates the expanse of God’s love and might. Psalm 121 works well during Lent or in any general service.

This straightforward setting of a familiar psalm presents our joyful hope in God’s care and protection. The well-crafted melody flows in a lilting 6/8 meter, with a few intervallic skips that require careful placement. The slower middle section repeats the phrase “The Lord will keep you, now and ever more,” coming to a pianissimo fermata before returning to the joyful theme. The second voice part enters on the final refrain, in imitative style, and both voices combine for a very satisfying ending. The piano accompaniment requires more agility at the keyboard than many pieces for children.

Pastoral Music

March 1, 2012