410-802 Something New/Psalm 23 - David Ashley White

Something New/Psalm 23
David Ashley White

Composer David Ashley White
Texts Richard Leach/Ps. 23, para. F. Bland Tucker
Voicing SATB, C inst.
Scripture Reference Psalm 23, Acts 17:21
Lectionary usage Lent 4A, Easter 4ABC
Price $2.00 (U.S.)
Length 2' 20" Released 6/15
Catalog no. 410-802
Difficulty Mod. easy.

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Anthem texts
Since we by sin have lost our God,
we seek creation through;
and vainly strive for solid bliss,
in trying something new.

The new possessed, like fading flowers,
soon loses its bright hue;
the bubble now no longer stays,
the soul wants something new.

If we had colonies in space,
and cities on the moon,
the mind would feel an aching void,
and still want something new.

But when we feel the power of Christ,
all good in him we view;
the soul forsakes all vain pursuits,
in Christ finds something new.

And every year since Jesus’ birth
has shown this word is true:
all those who turn to him will find
that Christ is always new!

--Anonymous text from The Southern Harmony (1854), adapt. Richard Leach, 1991

Psalm 23
The Lord my God my shepherd is;
how could I want or need?
In pastures green, by streams serene,
he safely does me lead.

To wholeness he restores my soul
and does in mercy bless,
and helps me take for his Name’s sake
the paths of righteousness.

Yes, even when I must pass
through the valley of death’s shade,
I will not fear, for you are here,
to comfort and to aid.

You have in grace my table spread
secure in all alarms,
and filled my cup, and raised me up
in everlasting arms.

Then surely I can trust your love
for all the days to come,
that I may tell your praise,
and dwell for ever in your arms,

–Psalm 23, para. F. Bland Tucker

Description In 2006, composer David Ashley White and poet Richard Leach collaborated on a collection called “New Harmony” that celebrated the legacy of early American hymnody in a series of new hymns and adaptations of old tunes. This setting is an elaboration of an item from that collection, provided here with two separate texts (F. Bland Tucker’s paraphrase of Psalm 23 and Leach’s adaptation of the original anonymous “Southern Harmony” text) that will prove useful for different purposes. The spare textures of the early American style are evoked via White’s original tune and the accompaniment by a single C instrument (flute, oboe, or violin are the best choices).

Review
"In perhaps a veiled aside, there is "something new" coupled with something old in many aspects of this piece. First is the tune (LUCILE), which was newly created by the composer but is very much in the style of Southern Harmony hymns. There are two sets of texts, both of which are modern adaptations of familiar Scripture. The text of Psalm 23 fits well with the new tune but is also just different enough to bring new focus to the Good Shepherd theme. The alternate text is inspired by Isaiah 43 and adapted from the 1854 Southern Harmony collection. Since these readings appear multiple times in the lectionary, the anthem will be that much more useful. Its minor mode and plaintive voicing give it a different color than many settings of these texts. The instrumental line is best suited for violin or flute but could be played on a keyboard if needed." --Cross Accent, Fall/Winter 2017

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