The Lord is My Shepherd by Howard Goodall

This composition based on Psalm 23 was originally written as theme music for the BBC TV series 'The Vicar of Dibley.'  He aimed to write a piece that would also be able to stand on its own apart from the series.
Published by Faber Music

www.howardgoodall.co.uk

Accompanied by piano or organ (string parts are also available from the publisher), the piece opens with a most lyrical, legato melody for solo soprano, repeated by tutti sopranos with simple yet effective harmonies for A, T and B, continuing in the warm, flowing style. A homophonic middle section, moving towards a more minor tonality, reflects the mood of the words ‘Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil’, and provides an effective contrast. A return to the original theme draws the work to a beautiful conclusion which, in the right circumstances, could provide a very spiritual moment. The piece makes only moderate demands on the singers in every respect, yet could have a long-lasting impact. It is certainly worth considering.” George Adamson, ‘Music Teacher’ magazine October 2000.

Availability

ISBN: 0-571-52407-9 TTBB

ISBN: 0-571-52099-5 SSA

ISBN: 0-571-52048-0 SATB

[email protected]    fabermusic.com

orchestral parts on hire from [email protected]

The words/lyrics

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want;
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
For you are with me, you will comfort me,
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Miscellaneous

A beautiful new working of the traditional text.

---