This edition was prepared by Raymond Nagem — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Early, O Lord, my fainting soul, Z 132
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Early, O Lord, my fainting soul, Z 132 by Henry Purcell — Lyrics
Psalmus David, cum esset in deserto Idumaeae.
Deus, Deus meus, ad te de luce vigilo.
Sitivit in te anima mea; quam multipliciter tibi caro mea!
In terra deserta, et invia, et inaquosa,
sic in sancto apparui tibi, ut viderem virtutem tuam et gloriam tuam.
Quoniam melior est misericordia tua super vitas, labia mea laudabunt te.
Sic benedicam te in vita mea, et in nomine tuo levabo manus meas.
Sicut adipe et pinguedine repleatur anima mea, et labiis exsultationis laudabit
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About Early, O Lord, my fainting soul, Z 132
This setting of Psalm 63 begins with the soul's deep yearning for God, like a parched land longing for water. Purcell captures the intensity of this desert experience and the subsequent vision of God's glory and power. The text expresses a profound reliance on divine mercy, promising praise and devotion throughout life, lifting hands in God's name. The music reflects the text's intimate supplication and eventual exultation, with the soul cleaving to God for refuge. This anthem for SSAB and SSTB voices, drawing on a Latin psalm but presented with English lyrics, offers a rich exploration of spiritual longing and divine support.
