Pilgrim Psalms (2009)
10 minutes
for SATB Chamber Choir
1. Out of the depths (Psalm 130)
2. Lord my heart (Psalm 131)
3. I look up to the mountains (Psalm 121)
Commissioned by Carl Crossin and the Adelaide Chamber Singers.
Premiered by the Adelaide Chamber Singers at St Peter's Cathedral, North Adelaide in June 20th, 2009. Conducted by Carl Crossin.
These three Psalms were composed with the intention to be performed as a set 'attacca' (without break). However, they will also suit separate performance.
10 minutes
for SATB Chamber Choir
1. Out of the depths (Psalm 130)
2. Lord my heart (Psalm 131)
3. I look up to the mountains (Psalm 121)
Commissioned by Carl Crossin and the Adelaide Chamber Singers.
Premiered by the Adelaide Chamber Singers at St Peter's Cathedral, North Adelaide in June 20th, 2009. Conducted by Carl Crossin.
These three Psalms were composed with the intention to be performed as a set 'attacca' (without break). However, they will also suit separate performance.
The Pilgrim Psalms (Psalm 120-134) were songs sung by pilgrims whilst on their journey to the temple in Jerusalem for the annual festivals and feasts. As a group, they speak volumes of all manner of human condition- fear, trust, exaltation, love, suffering, uncertainty, gladness, repentance and sadness.
Whilst we may not be taking a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, I believe the concept of journeying to a sacred place, seeking refuge, regeneration, time and space to reconnect with fundamental truths is vital in our ever-busy world. Whatever one's spiritual beliefs, the act of seeking comfort through life's trials, searching for answers in times of uncertainty, and celebrating and rejoicing in the person or thing that provides guidance and protection should be daily disciplines.
The three Psalms chosen for these settings read as a microcosm of a pilgrim's journey. A question is asked- will my prayers be heard? Next, a decision is made to wait and be patient; to not be concerned with things beyond my own understanding. And finally, a declaration of confidence and hope; a doxology embedded in and strengthened by one's experience of the dark night of the soul.
ⓒ Anne Cawrse, 2009
Whilst we may not be taking a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, I believe the concept of journeying to a sacred place, seeking refuge, regeneration, time and space to reconnect with fundamental truths is vital in our ever-busy world. Whatever one's spiritual beliefs, the act of seeking comfort through life's trials, searching for answers in times of uncertainty, and celebrating and rejoicing in the person or thing that provides guidance and protection should be daily disciplines.
The three Psalms chosen for these settings read as a microcosm of a pilgrim's journey. A question is asked- will my prayers be heard? Next, a decision is made to wait and be patient; to not be concerned with things beyond my own understanding. And finally, a declaration of confidence and hope; a doxology embedded in and strengthened by one's experience of the dark night of the soul.
ⓒ Anne Cawrse, 2009
REVIEWS
"As a group, the three psalms themselves formed a journey, from the opening cry to God 'Out of the depths,' through the surrender and humble trust of 'Israel, put your hope in the Lord,' and concluding with the uplifting 'I look up to the mountains,' a confident expression of faith in God's love and protection; all very effective dramatically, and also - more importantly - in terms of speaking a coherent message to the audience. The final cadence - leaving you not quite fulfilled, but questioning, thinking beyond the music - was particularly powerful, and for those not merely content to 'float' it turned the attention to our pilgrimages, which Cawrse explained in the program as any journey 'searching for answers in times of uncertainty.' All this was achieved within Cawrse's readily comprehensible yet fresh harmonic language and well-balanced textures, reflecting a clear interpretation of the text."
-David John Lang, Australian Music Centre, 21st Oct 2009
-David John Lang, Australian Music Centre, 21st Oct 2009