This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Have mercy upon me, O God
Staff Notation • Sacred, Verse anthems
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Have mercy upon me, O God by Pelham Humfrey — 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, O God
Pelham Humfrey's setting of Have mercy upon me, O God opens with a striking instrumental introduction, leading into a powerful SATB setting of the Latin text from Psalm 51. The composer draws on the rich tradition of English verse anthems, creating a compelling musical narrative that reflects the penitential fervour of the psalm. The text's plea for divine forgiveness and cleansing is powerfully conveyed through the dynamic interplay of the voices and the evocative musical language. This work offers a profound devotional experience, exploring themes of sin, repentance, and the hope of absolution with intense emotional depth.
