Latin. Text Source: The Book of Common Prayer, Ezekiel 7:25, Jeremiah 8:15, Psalm 122:8, Psalm 121:8, Vulgate. Scripture: Ezekiel 7:25, Jeremiah 8:15, Psalm 122:8.
Combining four texts that cover a range of emotion, "Newtown Psalm" expresses the unsettled feeling that we, the living, experience when we think of the young lives that were cut short. Melodic and rhythmic dissonances portray that appalling day in stages of disbelief, destruction, and hopelessness, ultimately resolving at the comforting words of Psalm 121:8. This verse offers hope for the future in the reassurance of a divine peace for all, a settled peace which enfolds the beauty of the lives that are at rest.
Performance of Newtown Psalm by the Rivertree Singers conducted by Warren Cook.
