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This is an art song setting of Psalm 13. The title of the song is indeed “Psalm 13,” but the words “How long?” recur multiple times and sound like something of a refrain. This was written for the first Deus Ex Musica concert project, “In the Shadow of Your Wings.”
Psalm 13
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
This setting of Psalm 13 was commissioned by Deus Ex Musica, an organization committed to the development of sacred music. The psalm, a lament, opens by repeating the words “How long?” four times. This howling cry drew me deeper into the text and its raw emotion, and my setting aims to similarly convey the desperation of the speaker as they cry out to God, fearing they have been abandoned in their trials. Ultimately, though, the speaker regains faith and rejoices, trusting that God is with them even in their darkest hour. The song is a journey, traveling from the immediacy of anguish, pain, loneliness, and desolation through the recovery of strength and resolve and ultimately to the peace of trusting in God’s lovingkindness. The text is adapted by the composer from the World English Bible translation, with additions from alternate translations at the discretion of the composer. The performance features Mary Montgomery Koppel, composer and soprano, accompanied by Abigail Frost on piano.
While this song premiered in concert as part of an ecumenical concert and discussion, it has also been an integral part of worship at my home church, First Church in Wenham (Mass.). As our worship team built virtual worship services compiled from various video contributions from our ministers, deacons, and musicians, we contributed this for use as an anthem and a musical reflection on Scripture.
Text and Music: Psalm 13; Mary Montgomery Koppel, © Mary Montgomery Koppel
Contact: Mary Montgomery Koppel, mkmkmusic@gmail.com
This worship service focuses on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. The Holland Christian High School Symphonic Orchestra, directed by Scott VandenBerg, leads the music with accompaniment from Alexis VanZalen. Calvin University’s Awakening group leads congregational singing featuring a selection of emerging bilingual Korean-English songs. Andrea Bult delivers the message, and students from Calvin University’s Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Noel Snyder, guide the liturgy.
This worship service centers on the story of the friend at midnight in Luke 11:5-13. Sandra McCracken, in collaboration with the Calvin University Worship Apprentices and their mentor, Paul Ryan, lead congregational worship. Janette Ok delivers the sermon, and Becca Tellinghuisen leads the scripture reading.
This service of the word and table includes a message on Luke 10 from Kevin Adams, who reflects on the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. Communion is celebrated following the message. Proskuneo Ministries leads the music, and the Calvin University Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Joanna Wigboldy, guides the liturgy.
This worship service focuses on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. The Holland Christian High School Symphonic Orchestra, directed by Scott VandenBerg, leads the music with accompaniment from Alexis VanZalen. Calvin University’s Awakening group leads congregational singing featuring a selection of emerging bilingual Korean-English songs. Andrea Bult delivers the message, and students from Calvin University’s Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Noel Snyder, guide the liturgy.
This worship service centers on the story of the friend at midnight in Luke 11:5-13. Sandra McCracken, in collaboration with the Calvin University Worship Apprentices and their mentor, Paul Ryan, lead congregational worship. Janette Ok delivers the sermon, and Becca Tellinghuisen leads the scripture reading.
This service of the word and table includes a message on Luke 10 from Kevin Adams, who reflects on the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. Communion is celebrated following the message. Proskuneo Ministries leads the music, and the Calvin University Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Joanna Wigboldy, guides the liturgy.
This worship service is musically led by Symposium contributor Raymond Wise and the Calvin University Gospel Choir, directed by Nate Glasper. Dennis Edwards delivers the message on Luke 16:19-31, “The Rich Man and Lazarus.”
