This edition was prepared by David Fraser — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Blessed is he that fears the Lord
Staff Notation • Sacred, Sacred songs
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Blessed is he that fears the Lord by William Byrd — Lyrics
Blessed is he that fears the Lord,
He walketh in his ways,
And sets his great delight therein,
The length of all his days.
His seed, and those which of him come,
Mighty on earth shall be:
The race of such as faithful are,
Men blessed them shall see.
Plenteousness within his house,
and want there shall be never,
His righteous and upright dealing
Endure shall for ever.
In misty clouds of troubles dark,
Which do the just oppress,
The Lord in mercy send them light
And easeth their distress.
The righteous man is merciful
And lendeth where is need;
He guides with judgement all his things
Be it in word or deed.
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About Blessed is he that fears the Lord
William Byrd sets a text from Psalm 112 in this sacred motet for SATTB choir. The English words offer comfort and assurance to the faithful, describing the blessings of a righteous life. Byrd’s setting, scored for five voices, moves with a noble and dignified tread. The music beautifully reflects the text’s message of enduring prosperity, divine favour, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. It is a powerful and resonant setting, bringing the wisdom of the psalm to life through Byrd’s masterful contrapuntal writing.
