Psalm 42
Linda Tutas Haugen
About this work:
Psalm 42 (for two sopranos, harp, and cello) was composed for Cantor
Rachel Stock Spilker and Cantor Jennifer Blum at Mount ion Temple. It is
based on Psalms 42 and 43 (in many Hebrew manuscripts Psalms 42 and
43 constitute one psalm with a shared refrain), in which the author longs
to be with God at the temple. The imagery of water and thirst suggest
that God is a necessity for life. Distress, separation, and sadness are
also expressed, but in the refrain, the writer looks to God for saving help.
The second verse again alludes to the trouble in the psalmist's life, but
ends by confidently acknowledging God's love and presence. The high
point of the composition is reached in the third verse, where the author
asks God to send forth light and truth to deliver him. This psalm is both a
prayer to God for help, and an expression of praise, faith, and hope.
The poetry of this psalm is especially descriptive and a wonderful text with
which to work. I was also happy to include a harp in the instrumentation
because of the reference in the text. It is my wish that these words and
music will touch your hearts.
Psalm 42 was composed as part of the American Composers Forum's
Faith Partners Residency Program. This ecumenical program, designed
by the American Composers Forum Minnesota Chapter and funded by
the Otto Bremer Foundation, enables religious institutions to select a
composer to create original musical works appropriate for use in the
worship services of participating congregations. Consortium members
are Mount Zion Temple, St. Paul, MN, and the Colonial Church of Edina,
Edina, MN.
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 00:04:30
Ensemble type: Chorus, with or without Solo Voices
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: Treble Chorus or two solo voices, harp, cello