August 14: Britten – Deus in adjutorium meum, 2014

Jon CurtisSeason of the Day, SOTD - August

Last chance to rehearse a cappella pieces!

FRIDAY NIGHT REHEARSAL

With only two more rehearsals to go, and tomorrow’s being our only one with the orchestra, Friday night focuses on two things: bringing together what was learned in the two sectional rehearsals, and putting the finishing touches on the a cappella pieces.

So today’s video features one of our finest a cappella performances, Benjamin Britten’s “Deus in adjutorium meum,” from Opus 21 in 2014.

Persons of the Day: Concert Volunteers
The concert itself would not be possible without numerous volunteers who help it run smoothly and professionally.  Some of the key people who have helped over the years are:

Room preparationRalph Kalbus, Bob Friestad, Michael Petersen, Jim Turner, Jon Curtis, Martha Wall, and numerous other singers who helped with set-up/knock down.  Sometimes we got help from members of the Church staff, including Karl Roulston (risers) and David Jones (facilities coordinator).

Ticket TakersJim O’Brien, Maureen Kalbus, Rich Friesen, Tim Proctor, Terry Scott

UshersChandrama AndersonLivia CamperiJim O’BrienDavid Moon-Wainwright, Will Toft, and often we recruit last minute available singer-spouses.

Benjamin Britten was a major force in classical music in England in the last century. Infusing classical forms with contemporary harmonies, he birthed a new sound for his time. The text, from “Psalm 70” is translated by sections so you can appreciate the word painting he created in this exquisite motet.

Deus in adjutorium meum intende. Domine ad adjuvandum me festina.
God, come to my assistance. O make haste to help me.

Confundantur et revereantur, qui quaerunt animam meam.
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul.

Avertantur retrorsum, et erubescant, qui volunt mihi mala.
Let them be turned backward and put to confusion, that wish me evil.

Avertantur statim erubescentes, qui dicunt mihi: Euge.
Let them, for their reward, be soon brought to shame, those that cry over me.

Exsultent et laetentur in te omnes qui quaerunt te, et dicant semper:
But let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee.

Magnificetur Dominus: qui diligunt salutare tuum.
The Lord be praised.

Ego vero egenus et pauper sum: Deus adjuva me.
As for me, I am poor and in misery: haste thee unto me, O God.

Adjutor meus et liberator meus es tu: Domine ne moreris.
Thou art my helper and redeemer: O Lord, make no long tarrying
.
Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et
semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.