Composer

:

J. Coward

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Average_duration

:

4:21

"Psalm 109 Hold not thy tongue O God of my praise" is a choral work composed by John Coward. The piece was composed in the 21st century and premiered in 2009. It is a setting of Psalm 109, which is a lamentation of the psalmist who is being persecuted by his enemies. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a slow and somber introduction, with the choir singing the words "Hold not thy tongue, O God of my praise." The music gradually builds in intensity as the choir sings of the psalmist's enemies and their wickedness. The movement ends with a powerful climax as the choir sings "Let his days be few, and let another take his office." The second movement is a contrast to the first, with a more upbeat and lively tempo. The choir sings of the psalmist's faith in God and his trust that God will deliver him from his enemies. The music is joyful and celebratory, with the choir singing "But thou, O Lord God, be merciful unto me." The final movement returns to the somber tone of the first, with the choir singing of the psalmist's suffering and his plea for God's help. The music is slow and mournful, with the choir singing "For he hath not remembered to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man." The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful resolution as the choir sings "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen." Overall, "Psalm 109 Hold not thy tongue O God of my praise" is a powerful and emotional choral work that captures the lamentation and faith of the psalmist. The music is characterized by its use of contrasting tempos and dynamics, as well as its powerful climaxes and peaceful resolutions.

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