This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Blessed is he that considereth the poor by William Billings — Lyrics
Blessed is he that considereth the poor:
The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive,
And will not deliver him into the will of his enemies. (Psalm 41:12)
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Follow after charity. (1 Corinthians 14:1)
There is hope, faith, and charity,
But the greatest of these is charity. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Blessed is he that considereth the poor:
The Lord shall strengthen him upon the bed of languishing. (Psalm 41:1,3)
He that giveth to the poor, he lendeth to the Lord,
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About Blessed is he that considereth the poor
William Billings crafts a robust SATB anthem from selected verses of scripture, focusing on the virtues of charity and mercy. The opening texture is characterized by its strong, direct lines, reflecting the certainty of the text. As the piece progresses, Billings explores the interplay of the four voices, creating a rich and resonant sound. The anthem moves through passages that emphasize divine support for the benevolent and merciful, culminating in the profound statement that charity, faith, and hope endure, with charity being the greatest. The music directly conveys the encouraging message of divine recompense for acts of kindness towards the poor and needy, and the assurance that the Lord hears the cries of the afflicted.
