Psalm 23

Description

Psalm 23

SSATB, unaccompanied
Text: the 23rd Psalm
2006
5′ duration
Published by ECS. Distributed by Canticle.

“David is one of the shining lights in the Twin Cities music scene, having composed a number of beautiful choral works— this setting of the psalm being especially lovely. A singer himself, he composes lovely vocal lines for choristers, always being cognizant of the text. The soprano solo enters at the close, offering a peaceful conclusion.” Philip Brunelle, The American Organist, June 2019

Psalm 23 is dedicated to the memory of Carolyn Argento (1930-2006), a fine soprano and beloved wife of composer Dominick Argento.

For other Psalm settings, see the choral works Psalm VIII, O Taste and See, Three Psalms, and the song, The Wings of the Morning,

Text

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (King James Version)