With longing ( = ca. 96 ) Preview - OCP · Dm heav ens be si lent? How long, O Lord, must we C heav ens be si A7sus4 lent? A9 A How Dm long, O C Lord,, must we Harmony How long, O
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Transcript
How Long, O LordDan Schutte
Based on Ps 13; 22 Keyboard Accompaniment by Randall DeBruyn
Performance NotesIn addition to our hymns of praise and thanksgiving, we need also to express in music ourdesperation and discouragement. This is a song of lamentation based on Psalms 13 and 22. Suchexpression is part of being human and part of our relationship with God. The scriptural psalmsare filled with songs in which the singers cry out to God and wonder whether they are beingheard. Sometimes our faith is as solid and vast as the mountain—sometimes as small and fragileas the mustard seed.
How Long, O Lord is useful for the season of Lent, and more particularly for liturgies of HolyWeek. Psalm 22, on which this piece is based, is the response for Passion Sunday. Written in aminor key, this song creates a mood that may be useful for other times during the liturgical year.It works well at communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The key to this piece is utter simplicity. There is an intended starkness to the music that should bemaintained. There are purposely no distracting embellishments and only one simple harmonypart for the Refrain. (Or omit the harmony altogether to keep the sound totally transparent.)
The Verses are meant to be sung by a cantor. This allows for a more focused interpretation of thetext and preserves the dialogue between assembly and cantor. However, it is possible to haveeveryone sing the entire piece.
Whether accompanied by piano or guitar, there should be a certain fluidity to the tempo. Thispiece should be performed rubato to enhance the phrasing, not with a strict, mechanical tempo. Ifplayed on the guitar, it is strongly suggested that the song be finger-picked rather than strummed.