God be merciful

Instrumentation

Alto, Tenor, Bass OR Tenor Baritone, Bass

Other Information

This short wedding motet was written in my second year at the University of Durham as a wedding present for my sister Elizabeth [pictured left] whose wedding to Richard Bailey on 28th July 1973 was at the Parish Church of St Edward King and Martyr [see below], Castle Donington. It was also sung at the composer´s wedding to Pauline Russell on 27th July 1974 at Cosby Parish Church, Leicestershire. On the first occasion it was sung by Morris Fisher, David Fisher & Roy Sawbridge [pictured below]. Later wedding motets by David Fisher are My Choice is Made, Ave Maria & Omnia vincit amor.

The work was originally written for tenor, baritone and bass in the G major but can also be performed in the A major as an alternative for alto, tenor and bass. The new version was dedicated to John Thorpe and Celia Russell on the occasion of their wedding at Leicester Cathedral on June 8th 2013 and sung by Leicester Cathedral´s Songmen Emeriti conducted by the composer. 

Psalm 67

God be merciful unto us, and bless us: and shew us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us. That thy way may be known upon earth: thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth bring forth her increase: and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing. God shall bless us: and all the ends of the world shall fear him. Amen.