Mary Sidney (1561-1621) penned an English version of Psalm 139 which is set here for soprano solo, SA chorus, and keyboard. The piece begins with a haunting, almost talismanic setting of the text “Thou dost know when I sit down and rise up,” but it is set in Latin, and will return later as an accompaniment beneath the English text which is set to a beautiful, almost folk-like melody, albeit a bit more angular in spots. Yet the angularity suits the text perfectly and is comfortable. The result is a perfect anthem about God’s all-knowing and ever-present care. Duration: 6:00 |
