This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Happy City
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Barry Johnston
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Happy City by Daniel Read — Lyrics
Psalmus David. Adversus Goliath.
Benedictus Dominus Deus meus, qui docet manus meas ad praelium, et digitos meos ad bellum.
Misericordia mea et refugium meum; susceptor meus et liberator meus; protector meus,
et in ipso speravi, qui subdit populum meum sub me.
Domine, quid est homo, quia innotuisti ei? aut filius hominis, quia reputas
eum?
Homo vanitati similis factus est; dies ejus sicut umbra praetereunt.
Domine, inclina caelos tuos, et descende; tange montes, et fumigabunt.
Fulgura coruscationem et dissipabis eos; emitte sagittas tuas, et conturbabis eos.
Emitte manum tuam de alto: eripe me, et libera me de aquis multis, de manu
filiorum alienorum:
quorum os locutum est vanitatem, et dextera eorum dextera iniquitatis.
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About Happy City
Daniel Read’s Happy City opens with a majestic and powerful setting of Psalm 144, beginning in Latin with text derived from David’s encounter with Goliath. The music reflects the text’s dramatic narrative, with robust SATB writing. As the piece progresses, it transitions to an English text, offering a hymn-like expression of faith and divine protection. The contrasting languages and thematic shifts create a dynamic journey for the choir and listener, moving from martial strength to personal devotion. This sacred work offers a compelling musical experience, suitable for services or concerts seeking a blend of gravitas and heartfelt expression.
