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Psalm 143, the seventh Penitential Psalm, is a lament seeking protection from oppression and persecution (the full text is here<\/a>). In the opening verses, sung in this superb anthem by William Byrd, the penitent acknowledges God’s righteousness and begs not to be judged, knowing that the salvation granted to anyone is a gift, not something deserved through justification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Byrd’s setting uses a method that is only rarely found: each part of the text is first sung by a soloist then repeated in harmonized form by the rest of the singers, while a consort of viols plays throughout. It conforms, just about, to what was deemed appropriate in c<\/em>1600 for psalm-singing in the Reformed Church in England: each phrase of the text is delivered largely syllabically with easy-to-follow melody, and the ensemble singing is kept counterpoint-free. But at the same time Byrd pushed the envelope, notably with the astonishing beauty of the rich five-part harmonizations when the phrases are repeated by the ensemble of singers, and with the subtle decorations in the accompanying viol parts. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n * * This is the sixth post in a series for Lent and Holy Week, 2021<\/a><\/em> * *<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and consider my desire:
hearken unto me for thy truth and righteousness’ sake.
2. And enter not into judgement with thy servant:
for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.<\/font><\/small>\n\n\n\n