Compositions: Psalm 31

Psalm 31

for voice and piano (2020)

Excerpts from National Association of Composers Mid-Atlantic Chapter performance, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2023. Larry Jay Giddens, baritone. Stephen Coxe, piano.

Duration: 8 minutes

For mezzo soprano (Bb3-G#5) OR
tenor (Bb2 or C3 – G#4) OR
baritone (G2-F4) OR
bass-baritone (F2-Eb4)

Premiere: National Association of Composers Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Virginia Beach, Virginia, November 4, 2023. Larry Jay Giddens, baritone. Stephen Coxe, piano.

Psalm 31, written by David, is in turn a testament of faith, a cry for help, and a song of hope. While David’s faith in God remains steadfast, he unabashedly expresses his fears and laments his isolation in society. In composing my setting of this psalm, I was struck that this Bible passage made space for the open and honest expression of worldly affliction, even among the most faithful.

I wrote this setting following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd in 2020. It was a time of frustration, uncertainty, and despair for many Americans, amplified by the hardship of the pandemic. This psalm helped provide a bit of comfort, clarity, and hope during this difficult time.