This edition was prepared by James Wetzel — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Denn Er hat seinen Engeln befohlen, MWV B 53
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets, Anthems
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3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Denn Er hat seinen Engeln befohlen, MWV B 53 by Felix Mendelssohn — Lyrics
Laus cantici David. Qui habitat in adjutorio Altissimi, in protectione Dei caeli commorabitur.
Dicet Domino: Susceptor meus es tu, et refugium meum; Deus meus, sperabo in eum.
Quoniam ipse liberavit me de laqueo venantium, et a verbo aspero.
Scapulis suis obumbrabit tibi, et sub pennis ejus sperabis.
Scuto circumdabit te veritas ejus:
non timebis a timore nocturno;
a sagitta volante in die,
a negotio perambulante in tenebris, ab incursu, et daemonio meridiano.
Cadent a latere tuo mille, et decem millia a dextris tuis; ad te autem non appropinquabit.
Verumtamen oculis tuis considerabis, et retributionem peccatorum videbis.
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About Denn Er hat seinen Engeln befohlen, MWV B 53
Felix Mendelssohn's motet Denn Er hat seinen Engeln befohlen, MWV B 53, is a powerful setting of biblical text that draws on the rich tradition of German sacred music. Scored for a large eight-part choir (SSAATTBB), the work explores themes of divine protection and refuge, drawing from Psalm 91. The Latin text, which Mendelssohn also set in German, speaks of trusting in God's shield and the assurance that no harm will befall those who dwell in the Almighty's care. The music reflects the dramatic and comforting message of the text, offering a substantial and rewarding challenge for accomplished choirs. This is a significant anthem from Mendelssohn's sacred output.
