Karen Siegel
In Awe of the Earth
chorus & piano
Protector of the ends of the earth and the distant seas:
Care for the earth, enriching her Care for the earth, sustaining her
Streams fill with water
Fields fill with grain Years fill with goodness
Care for the earth, enriching her Care for the earth, sustaining her
Snow caps the mountains
Sheep dress the meadows
Grain clothes the valleys
We are in awe
We shout with joy
We sing for joy
Care for the earth, enriching her Care for the earth, sustaining her
Adaptation of Psalm 65, by Karen Siegel incorporates phrases from translation in Siddur Lev Shalem, the Rabbinical Assembly, 2016 (used with permission)
Program Note
“In Awe of the Earth” celebrates the earth and its gifts to humankind, with gratitude and awe. It is also an urgent call for the earth's protection and sustainment. Whether that call is a prayer or a message for human ears is deliberately vague listeners and performers may interpret as they wish. My adaptation of Psalm 65, a Jewish prayer for rain, removes direct references to God so that a secular interpretation is possible. “In Awe of the Earth” was commissioned by a consortium of choirs: the Mount Holyoke College Glee Club, Director of Choral Activities Colin Britt, Lead Commissioner; as well as the Munich International Choral Society, Artistic Director Mary Ellen Kitchens; the San Diego Women's Chorus, Artistic Director Kathleen Hansen; and Women's Voices Chorus, Artistic Director Laura Sam. KS
In Awe of the Earth
Commissioned by the Mount Holyoke College Glee Club, Director of Choral Activities Colin Britt, Lead Commissioner; the Munich International Choral Society, Artistic Director Mary Ellen Kitchens; the San Diego Women's Chorus, Artistic Director Kathleen Hansen; and Women's Voices Chorus, Artistic Director Laura Sam
Karen Siegel
With Urgency and Tenderness q = 60
With Urgency and Tenderness q = 60
& V ?
b