Blessed is the man (Psalm 1)

This anthem sets Psalm 1, offering a clear contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The text opens by describing the blessed man, who finds delight in God’s law and prospers like a well-watered tree. Jennifer Bastable’s setting is for SATB choir and alternates between Latin and English, reflecting the psalm’s ancient roots and its enduring message. The music moves from gentle contemplation of the righteous path to a powerful denunciation of the ungodly, concluding with the assurance that the Lord knows the way of the just. This setting would be appropriate for a general anthem, perhaps in a service focusing on scripture or divine guidance.