Amid the Noise of Waves

AMID THE NOISE OF WAVES
Adapted from Psalm 93

The floods have lifted up their voice,
The floods lifted up their waves.

But in a mighty voice,
The Lord clothed in majesty.
The Lord is mightier than the sea
Than the noise of the waters.

The Lord reigneth in majesty,
He cannot be moved.
His hands are girded with might.
From old to everlasting.

From everlasting,
Clothed in majesty,
Clothed with strength.
He cannot be moved.

The Lord is mightier than the sea,
He cannot be moved.


PSALM 93:
"The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with
majesty;

The LORD is clothed with
strength, wherewith he hath girded
himself:

The world also is stablished, that it cannot
be moved.

Thy throne is established of old: Thou art
from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the
floods have lifted up their waves.

The LORD on high is mightier than
the noise of many waters,
Yea, than the mighty waves of the sea."

AMID THE NOISE OF WAVES:
Duration: 3:20 minutes

Written for SSATB Choir with piano accompaniment.

"Amid the Noise of Waves" is taken from the Biblical text of Psalm 93. The constant ebb and flow of the left hand's ostinato pattern pictures the pulsing of the tide. The right hand's countermelody allows the waves to build, grow, and overcome; yet, simultaneously, remain calm and somber. Both elements work to create a cohesive accompaniment. Throughout the work, the accompaniment exhibits programmatic writing elements in correlation to the Scriptural text, mimicking the intensity of a wavelike flow.

The vocal texture follows the pattern of two themes: “the floods” and “the Lord”. Throughout the work, duet sequences are used to combine these two thoughts and motifs. The floods are described in a minor timbre, low and deep. While contrary to the waves, the Lord rises above, mightier with higher tonal texture and dynamic quality. The piece ends after a climax repeating the line "the Lord cannot be moved”. The use of this repeat shows the listener that not even the vocalists can be moved. The line passes between each part changing in dynamics to conclude in a truthful conclusion statement of awe of the Lord.

Scripture references: Psalm 93. Exodus 15: 4-6.