My Peace (AOV 2/96)

A setting of Ps 89 by Christopher Willcock. Go to AOV to hear an extract. It is very grand and very long. It is classical enough to have been played on ABC Classic FM.

The verses have different tunes – 1&2 similar, 3&4 similar, and 5 different again. The time signature is 4/4 except when it’s 3/2. Like most of his work, this is supercharged cathedral stuff and probably not for a guitar and a couple of voices.

My backing is at 70 bpm and totally inadequate to the task. Get the SATB version, a massive pipe organ and a huge choir and give this one a bash.

Antiphon

My peace be upon you forever,

My love be within your heart,

My Spirit will keep you safe all your days

Verse 1

I will sing forever of your love, O Lord;

Through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.

Of this I am sure that your love lasts forever,

That your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

Antiphon

Verse 2

With my chosen one I have made a covenant

I have sworn to David my servant;

I will establish your dynasty forever

and set up your throne through all ages.

Antiphon

Verse 3

The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord;

The assembly of your holy ones proclaim your truth.

For who in the skies can compare with the Lord

or who is like the Lord among the heav’nly beings.

Antiphon

Verse 4

For yours is a mighty arm, O Lord;

Your hand is strong, your right hand ready.

Justice and right are the pillars of your throne,

Love and truth shall walk in your presence.

Antiphon

Verse 5

O Happy the people who acclaim such a king,

Who walk, O Lord in the light of your face,

Who find their joy ev’ry day in your name,

Who make your justice the source of their bliss

Antiphon

© Christopher Willcock 1991.