This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Have mercy upon me, HWV 248
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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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.
ST,ATB · Paul R. Marchesano
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Have mercy upon me, HWV 248 by George Fredrick Handel — Lyrics
In finem. Psalmus David,
cum venit ad eum Nathan propheta, quando intravit ad Bethsabee.
Miserere mei, Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam tuam; et secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum, dele iniquitatem meam.
Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea: et a peccato meo munda me.
Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognosco, et peccatum meum contra me est semper.
Tibi soli peccavi, et malum coram te feci; ut justificeris in sermonibus tuis, et vincas cum judicaris.
Ecce enim in iniquitatibus conceptus sum: et in peccatis concepit me mater mea.
Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti; incerta et occulta sapientiae tuae manifestasti mihi.
Asperges me hyssopo, et mundabor; lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.
Auditui meo dabis gaudium et laetitiam: et exsultabunt ossa humiliata.
Averte faciem tuam a peccatis meis, et omnes iniquitates meas dele.
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About Have mercy upon me, HWV 248
This setting of Psalm 51 opens with a stark declamation for the bass soloist, soon joined by the choir. The text, a profound plea for forgiveness, is set with dramatic intensity. Handel skilfully contrasts moments of solo reflection with powerful choral interjections, building a compelling emotional arc. The interplay between the soloists and the full choir reflects the text’s personal confession and its universal implications. The Latin text, a psalm of David, explores themes of sin, repentance, and divine mercy, articulated through rich harmonic language and contrapuntal texture characteristic of Handel’s sacred choral writing.
