This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Haste thee, O God
Staff Notation • Sacred, Verse anthems
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Haste thee, O God by Pelham Humfrey — Lyrics
In finem. Psalmus David in rememorationem, quod salvum fecerit eum Dominus.
Deus, in adjutorium meum intende; Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.
Confundantur, et revereantur, qui quaerunt animam meam.
Avertantur retrorsum, et erubescant, qui volunt mihi mala;
avertantur statim erubescentes qui dicunt mihi: Euge, euge!
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About Haste thee, O God
Pelham Humfrey’s Haste thee, O God is a potent setting of words from Psalm 70. The composer vividly depicts the psalmist’s urgent plea for divine assistance against enemies who rejoice in his misfortune. The Latin text, translated into English, calls for confusion and shame upon those who seek the singer’s soul and wish him ill. The music reflects this dramatic text with an insistent drive, particularly in the SATTB vocal parts. This verse anthem format, popular in the English Restoration period, allows for a rich interplay between soloists and the full choir, though this setting is for voices alone. The piece captures a profound sense of spiritual struggle and a fervent reliance on God’s intervention.
