Music to end the Day for Sunday, 26 July 2020
‘Ubisofts Caritas’ is one of the ancient Gregorian plainchants. The beautiful setting of French composer Maurice Duruflé from 1960 is one which we sing regularly at Cornerstone. Many will also be familiar with the simple Taizé setting from the 1970s, which we also sing. Last year we introduced into the repertoire the more recent setting by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, first performed in 2007. Like Duruflé’s version, it takes its inspiration from the Gregorian chant tradition, though the material is entirely original, not based on any specific chant. For this ‘lockdown’ recording, only my solo effort was possible. Hopefully it will not be too long before group singing can again enhance our live worship and we can hear the piece in its full choral splendour.
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exsultemus et in ipso jacundemur.
Timeamus et amenus Deum vivum.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.
Amen
Where charity and love are, God is there.
The love of Christ has gathered us together.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Let us revere and love the living God
And from a sincere heart let us love one another.
Amen
The wonderful Psalm 23 has inspired a huge number of musical settings. I can think of at least nine which we sing regularly at Cornerstone, some for congregation, some for choir. To conclude our music today, I will share with you Stuart Townend’s version (1995) with its striking refrain. Originally from my own county of Yorkshire, Townend has become well-known throughout the UK as worship leader. arranger and producer. The most recent of his ten solo albums, ‘Courage’ (2018), includes some powerful personal songs, including ‘Keep you here’, an honest and moving response to his brother’s recent journey with cancer, and ‘I am here for you’, co-written with his daughter exploring issues of mental health.
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
he makes me lie in pastures green,
he leads me by the still, still waters,
his goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in you alone,
and I will trust in you alone,
for your endless mercy follows me,
your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
and he anoints my head with oil;
and my cup – it overflows with joy,
I feast on his pure delights.
And though I walk the darkest path –
I will not fear the evil one,
for you are with me, and your rod and staff
are the comfort I need to know.
Heavenly Father, in peace I will lie down and sleep, for it is you, Lord, who makes me to dwell in safety.
Psalm 4: 8
Goodnight everyone.
Adrian Boynton
