Justin Appel

Dear Friends in Christ,

The lectionary calendar lists Psalm 126 for the psalm of the day. This psalm of ascents celebrates God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from captivity. Perhaps not surprisingly, this uplifting text found its way into Johannes Brahms’ non-liturgical Ein deutsches Requiem (the first movement, Selig sind, die da Leid tragen), though we may have an easier time absorbing it in a song setting by the English composer Charles Villiers Stanford. A Song of Freedom is the first in a series of six Biblical Songs (Op. 113), incorporating various psalms, poetry from the likes of Robert Bridges and Joachim Neander, and a lovely setting (known to the choir here at Saint Philip’s) from Ecclesiasticus 24, A Song of Wisdom.

In this linked recording, a single treble sings this Stanford song in Wells Cathedral, where our choir was very recently.

I hope this setting brings encouragement to you this morning.

Yours in Christ,
Justin

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion: then were we like to those that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter: and our tongues with joy.
Then said they among the heathen: The Lord hath done great things for them.
Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already: whereof we rejoice.
Turn again our captivity, O Lord: as the rivers in the south.
They that sow in tears: shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed: shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
Whereof we rejoice.
- Psalm 126