The Lord is my Light

Last week when I turned one of my calendars over to June, the verse that greeted me was Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Coincidentally, or not, I had just heard Frances Allitsen's great setting of this psalm at the women's conference I attended. It was sung during Sunday morning worship by baritone, Peter McGillivray, and I've been singing it in my head periodically ever since. I first heard this piece during my college days and have accompanied a couple vocalists singing it over the years. In fact, when I stop to think of it, I don't know of another setting of these words! Does this overshadow all the others? Or have composers after Allitsen's time (1848-1912) not even tried to write something more compelling? Or (more likely) there are other versions in less formal styles.

This got me thinking about why I find this piece so powerful.

1. One reason is that the words are scripture. My Dad always encouraged me to listen to the words; are they sound theologically? do they contain mindless repetition? do they speak to me?
2. The music rises and falls with the text. The joyous arpeggios underpinning "The Lord is my light..." give way to a martial feel when we hear "Though a host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid..." The quiet chords under "For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His tabernacle..." sound to me like waves lapping on the shore - a comforting sound.
3. Could it be a physical connection to the piece because I've played the accompaniment? I have felt the strength required to land those notes in the right place and because of that I respond when I hear the piece.

No matter the reason, I enjoyed hearing McGillivray's interpretation and, judging by the response, I was not the only one. Also, because I've been on the bench at the piano for this one, let me add that his accompanist was no slouch either!