Richte mich Gott
Felix Mendelssohn - (1809-1847)
Written in 1844, this is a setting of Psalm 43 and dramatically paints the changing moods of the words in three sections.
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation. O deliver me from deceitful and unjust men. For thou art the God of my strength; O why dost thou cast me from thee? Wherefore mourn I because the enemy sorely oppresses me? Send out thy light and truth, Lord; O let them lead me and bring me to thy dwelling place.
And I will go to the altar of God, the God of my joy, and I will praise thee upon the harp, O my God.
O my soul why art thou cast downward and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in the Lord, O my soul, for I will praise him who is the health of my countenance and my gracious Lord and God.
The second of Mendelssohn's pieces is Hear my prayer for soprano soloist, choir and piano. This is a motet setting words by W Bartholomew. The first section, sung by Eve Borsey, is a dramatic cry for help and protection from the iniquity and hatred of the godless. The choir is no help at all, simply reinforcing her anguish! The second section, sung by Ros Crouch, is the well-known O for the wings of a dove, in which the soloist and choir yearn for a place of eternal rest.
Programme notes compiled by Sara Kemsley