Bow Down Your Ear, O Lord

Program Notes

The passionate cry for mercy that characterizes Psalm 86 is fairly summarized in its first five verses, the ones I have chosen to set, resulting in a concise 4-minute anthem. The pleas begin quietly, gradually rising in intensity, incorporating more and more words of devotional praise.

The form is simple and tri-partite (ABA). The first section is characterized by a droning G in the bass, while the upper voices trace a descending harmonic progression, punctuated by the occasional “out,” chromatic note. The latter is most recognizable on the words, “O, Lord,” which present a kind of refrain for the piece. The close alternation of B♮ and Bb underline the plaintive, pleading tone of the text.

The central section begins with 3-part treble voices, again including the “refrain.” The full chorus joins back in on the word, “Rejoice,” in the loudest music yet heard. The harmonic motion is noticeably more active in this section.

The final section returns to the pedal point feel of the opening, with subtle alterations to the original harmonies. The piece ends as it began, sorrowfully in the tenor and bass voices only.

Bow Down Your Ear, O Lord was written for the Duke Vespers Ensemble, Music Director, Brian Schmidt. It was premiered on April 21, 2016 in Duke Chapel, Durham, NC.

The final verse modulates up a fourth to the key of Eb and contains a soaring soprano descant. The piece ends up back in the home key of Bb, with soft echoes of “Lully” in the alto voice.

Bow Down Your Ear, O Lord
Psalm 86 (NKJV), Vv. 1-5

Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me;
For I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am holy;
You are my God;
Save Your servant who trusts in You!
Be merciful to me, O Lord,
For I cry to You all day long.
Rejoice the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.