Love of God (The)
Joseph Bertolozzi
About this work:
When asked by Carol Reichert to write music for the 150th Anniversary of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church (FELC) of Poughkeepsie NY, I was happy to be able to do so, for this church is where I had my first taste of playing upon a pipe organ, my teacher Ray Corey being the Music Director here at the time.
This commission was originally envisioned as a single concert work, but as we proceeded with scheduling, budgeting, etc, it was clear we that might only have time to rehearse something of intermediate complexity, and in any event we wanted a piece of music that would “have legs,” that is, be performed beyond its premiere; writing three pieces for use in church worship became the model from then on. I don’t have a favorite among them; they are each different and I like them each on their own merits.
Carol had a clear idea of what she wanted expressed in this new music, which was basically that no matter what we do or have done to us, God is always there. I wrestled with finding the right texts to hang my notes upon, and after quite a while searching, decided to write my own text. When I had finished hammering the words of the first number into shape (the anthem version of “The Love of God”) I still needed two more sets of lyrics, and decided to use the same basic words for the remaining pieces. After all, a composer should have the technique to be able to compose many different versions of the same texts; think of the dozens of Mass settings each by composers like Palestrina, Gabrieli, etc. So I molded the original text, distilling and amplifying where necessary into the formal structure for both a traditional hymn and a “world music” setting, which was important to Carol as FELC’s legacy of mission work over the years has always been integral to its ministry.
This music is dedicated to the honor of Dr. Hermann Wolff, founder of Lunch and Listen Program 1979-1999 and in memory of Thelma and Henry Reichert.
THE LOVE OF GOD Anthem Text:
Words by Joseph Bertolozzi
You are not alone though unfairness blocks your way.
You are not alone in the circumstance of pain.
Loss, hurt, indignity, worry, insecurity,
You are not alone, you are not alone
So think, hope, pray for God's grace accompanies your way.
(Refrain)
Nothing can stand between us and the love of God.
Solitude, doubt, or distrust cannot move our God.
For God is Love and faith in Love is the act that fixes the world.
Nothing can stand between us and the love of God.
You are not alone in the helplessness of age.
You are not alone even when you lose your faith.
In the work that you hate, when a child goes away, every time you fail,
You are not alone. You are not alone.
So think, hope, pray for God's grace accompanies your way.
(Refrain)
Nothing can stand between us and the love of God.
Solitude, doubt, or distrust cannot move our God.
For God is Love and faith in Love is the act that fixes the world.
Nothing can stand between us and the love of God.
© 2006, Blue Wings Press {ASCAP} 73 Fulton Avenue, Beacon NY 12508 (845) 831-0695. bluewingspress@optonline.net All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. www.JosephBertolozzi.com
Version: Anthem
Year composed: 2006
Duration: 00:04:15
Ensemble type: Chorus, with or without Solo Voices:Chorus, Unaccompanied
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: Any SATB mixed chorus with four voices or more on a part could perform this piece. There is also an optional organ accompaniment included if the chorus needs support for a performance.