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About the Composer
Linda Tutas Haugen
Linda Tutas Haugen (Ephraim Bay Publishing)
Be Still and Know
A lyrical and rhythmic setting of Psalm 42.
SATB, piano and cello
This lyrical and rhythmic setting of Psalm 42 is sure to engage singers and audiences! Used in many settings – churches, synagogues, colleges and universities.
Composer’s Notes
“Be Still and Know” was written for the combined choirs of the Colonial Church (Edina, MN), Timothy Sawyer, Music Director, and Mount Zion Temple (St. Paul, MN), Rachel Spilker, Cantor. It was commissioned by the American Composers Forum through its Faith Partners Program, funded by the Otto Bremer Foundation, and performed jointly in both congregations.
The text is taken from Psalm 46, in which the psalmist confesses trust and hope in God. Though creation itself seems to be in great upheaval, God continues to sustain, bless, and deliver us. God’s voice speaks directly as we are asked to be still, or cease striving, and know or acknowledge God’s mighty and saving acts.
The Hebrew word selah is also used in Ps. 42. It is usually not translated, nor often sung. While its exact meaning is unknown, it is thought that it might be a liturgical notation indicating an interlude of some sort. One translation described it as a direction to “pause, and calmly think about that.” I included the word selah in my setting to allow the listener time to reflect on what had just been sung.
Musically, the cello introduces the piece with a plaintive solo. The choir quietly enters with the words Be still and know that I am God. This is followed by a refrain set in Hebrew that occurs three times in the piece: Adonai tz’vaot imanu; misgav lanu Elohei Ya’akov: Adonai Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
During the third verse, the rhythmic intensity and energy increases to a flurry as God’s power is illustrated in the text. The composition eventually closes with a return to similar musical material as the opening, reflecting a greater sense of hope and peace.
– Linda Tutas Haugen
Text
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Adonai tz’vaot imanu; misgav lanu Elohei Ya’akov. Selah
(Adonai Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
We will not fear though the earth give way,
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
its waters roar and foam and mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams bring joy to the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar and kingdoms fall,
God lifts his voice, the earth melts.
Adonai tz’vaot imanu; misgav lanu Elohei Ya’akov. Selah
(Adonai Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.)
Come and see the works of Adonai,
the desolations God has brought on the earth.
God makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
God breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
God burns the shields with fire.
“Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Adonai tz’vaot imanu; misgav lanu Elohei Ya’akov. Selah
(Adonai Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.)
“Be still and know that I am God.”
– Psalm 46
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