O Lord, you have searched me out (Ps 139 - SABar + piano version)

A video score of a new setting of Psalm 139 by Philip Le Bas, scored for SABar choir plus piano (see    • O Lord, you have searched me out (Psa...   for the SATB a cappella version), which begins "O Lord, you have searched me out and known me" - text printed below. The psalm is a deeply personal reflection by the psalmist on the "wonder of my being" and on the inescapability of God's love, wherever we might try to hide, and whatever we might do ourselves or might experience - even death.

This gentle setting uses the bass notes of the piano to special effect, creating an ambiance of mystery and depth. The three choral voices use their full ranges, with just a few divided passages near the end of the composition in the lower parts. The piece should be sung meditatively, without too much drama, even in the fortissimo passages, aiming for a sense of wonder and inner peace.

See below for individual practice videos.

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have searched me out and known me;
you know all my sitting down and rising;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You mark all my journeys and my resting place
and are acquainted with all my ways.

For not a word is on my tongue
but, Lord, you know it altogether.
You encompass me, behind and before me,
you lay you hand upon me.

O where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I climb up to heaven you are there;
you are there if the grave is where I lie.

If I take the wings of the morning,
or dwell in the depths of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
your right hand hold me fast.

You created my innermost parts;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I thank you for the wonder of my being,
I marvel at all your works.

Amen.

Practice videos:
Full choir -    • O Lord, you have searched me out (Ps ...  
Soprano -    • O Lord, you have searched me out (Ps ...  
Alto -    • O Lord, you have searched me out (Ps ...  
Baritone -    • O Lord, you have searched me out (Ps ...  

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