National Lament and Prayer for Help (William Ellison)

Music files

L E G E N D

Disclaimer

How to download

ICON	SOURCE
	Pdf
	Midi
	Mp3
	MusicXML
	File details
	Help

• (Posted 2023-08-06)  CPDL #74763:         

Editor: William Ellison (submitted 2023-08-06).   Score information: Ledger, 77 pages, 955 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Psalm 44
Composer: William Ellison
Lyricist: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition^{create page}
Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SATTB
Genre: Sacred, Anthem

Language: English
Instruments: Orchestra

First published: 2023
Description: This is an original composition by William H Ellison during June/July, 20203 and is based on Psalm 44 with text from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition of the Bible. This composition is for solo Tenor with SATB choir and orchestra accompaniment (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, 2 French Horns and 2 Trombones, Piano, Violin 1 & 2, Viola, Cello, and Bass).

Original text and translations

Original text and translations may be found at Psalm 44.

English text

National Lament and Prayer for Help
To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Maskil.
01  
We have heard with our ears, O God;

    our ancestors have told us
what deeds you performed in their days,
 
     in the days of old:
02  
you with your own hand drove out the nations,

    but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,

    but them you set free;
03  
for not by their own sword did they win the land,

    nor did their own arm give them victory,

but your right hand, and your arm,

    and the light of your countenance,
 
   for you delighted in them.
04  
You are my King and my God;

    you command victories for Jacob.
05  
Through you we push down our foes;

    through your name we tread down our assailants.
06  
For not in my bow do I trust,

    nor can my sword save me.
07  
But you have saved us from our foes

    and have put to confusion those who hate us.
08  
In God we have boasted continually,

    and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah
09  
Yet you have rejected us and shamed us

    and have not gone out with our armies.
10  
You made us turn back from the foe,

    and our enemies have gotten spoil.
11  
You have made us like sheep for slaughter

    and have scattered us among the nations.
12  
You have sold your people for a trifle,

    demanding no high price for them.
13  
You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,

    the derision and scorn of those around us.
14  
You have made us a byword among the nations,

    a laughingstock
     among the peoples.
15  
All day long my disgrace is before me,

    and shame has covered my face
16  
at the words of the taunters and revilers,

    at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.
17  
All this has come upon us,

    yet we have not forgotten you
 
     or been false to your covenant.
18  
Our heart has not turned back,

    nor have our steps departed from your way,
19  
yet you have broken us in the haunt of jackals

    and covered us with deep darkness.
20  
If we had forgotten the name of our God

    or spread out our hands to a strange god,
21  
would not God discover this?

    For he knows the secrets of the heart.
22  
Because of you we are being killed all day long

    and accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
23  
Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord?

    Awake, do not cast us off forever!
24  
Why do you hide your face?

    Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
25  
For we sink down to the dust;

    our bodies cling to the ground.
26  
Rise up, come to our help.

    Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.