An exquisite melody was crafted by Gabriel Faure in 1890 to musically express a prayerful poem by Stephan Bordèse. This lovely arrangement offers the flexibility of being rung either as a handbell solo or duet. It will provide a wonderful enhancement to worship services, concerts, and other occasions. Reproducible extrated parts for solo and duet ringers are included.
Here is a literal translation of the poem:
If a child's voice can be lifted up to You, my Father,
hear the prayer of Jesus as I kneel before You.
If you have chosen me to teach your ways on earth,
I will know how to serve You, O King of kings, O Light!
Place the truth upon my lips, Lord, that those who doubt may revere You with humility!
Do not abandon me; give me the necessary gentleness to ease suffering; to relive pain and misery.
Reveal Yourself to me, Lord, in whom I believe and hope.
For You I will suffer and die on the cross at Calvary.
(translation by Fred Gramann)
Voicing: Handbell solo or duet (3 octaves) with piano accompaniment
Psalm 139 is among those which are addressed to the "leader" or "choirmaster". The language assures us that God knows us thoroughly and in all situations, doing so by employing contrasting ideas: when...
