A Song of Freedom - No. 1 of Stanford's Bible Songs

A Song of Freedom
Number 1 from Stanford's Bible Songs Op. 113

Charles Villiers Stanford (1852 - 1924) wrote his Bible Songs as a collection of songs for use in both a concert hall and church setting. No doubt inspired by the Bible Songs of his lifelong friend, Anton Dvorak, his addition of the organ allows a deeper expression, and Stanford uses the organ to its full orchestral potential.

The Song of Freedom: This psalm text recalls the reaction of the Israelites returning to their homeland after 70 years in Babylonian captivity.
This rather simple setting acts in some ways as a prelude for the other five songs. There is less interaction with the drama in the text, and he treats the organ more conventionally than the orchestral style textures we see in the songs that follow.
Stanford also employs a relatively monosyllabic setting of the text, splitting the psalm into effectively two verses which creates the (nearly) strophic structure for the music. The repetition of the text 'Whereof we rejoice' acts as the refrain of a hymn of praise, and binds the two parts of the piece together.

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,
Then were we like to those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongues with joy.
Then said they among the heathen,
"The Lord has done great things for them."
Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already,
Whereof we rejoice.

Turn again our captivity, O Lord,
As the rivers in the South.
They that sow in tears,
Shall reap in joy!
He that goeth forth and weepeth,
Bearing precious seed,
Shall doubtless come again with joy,
and bring his sheaves with him
Psalm 126
NO NO NO


Laurence Williams is a bass-baritone, conductor, organist and educator, based in London, Ontario, Canada and performing internationally. He is the Director of Music at St. Paul's Cathedral where he is responsible for running the music programme, directing the three choirs, including the semi-professional adult choir and playing the organ. He is on a mission to share his love of music with as many people as possible, through singing and choir-training.

For booking inquiries or collaborations, please contact his manager: [email protected]

Subscribe to my channel for more classical music performances!

www.laurencewilliams.org

Recorded at Waltham Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey, UK
22nd November 2024

With thanks to the PCC and Rector of Waltham Abbey Church for their generous use of the building.

Audio Engineer: Morgan Roberts
Visual Engineer: Tom Edkins
Producer: Michael Waldron