The French composer, publisher, and music theorist Claude Goudimel (1514-1572) wrote numerous masses, motets, and secular chansons, but he is most famous for his four-part settings of the metrical psalms of the Genevan Psalter. His tune to accompany Psalm 86 is the setting for the two texts included in this publication.
“To My Humble Supplication” is itself a paraphrase and expansion of the first six verses of that psalm, written by Joseph Bryan (ca. 1620), of whom little is known. Bryan’s text — a plea for encouragement and guidance, and an acknowledgment of God’s goodness — is especially appropriate for penitential seasons and occasions.
“Virgin-Born, We Bow Before Thee,” by the English bishop and hymn-writer (“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,” “Brightest and Best”) Reginald Heber (1783-1826), is both a hymn of adoration to the virgin-born Son of God and a hymn of praise for the unique role of Mary, his mother, in the Christ-Child’s birth and upbringing. It is especially appropriate to commemorate the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (February 2) and the Annunciation to Mary (March 25), as well as in Christmas-tide and Epiphany seasons.
Soprano/organ score — $6.00