This edition was prepared by Rupert Preston Bell — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Help us, O God of our salvation
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Help us, O God of our salvation by William Byrd — Lyrics
Psalmus Asaph. Deus, venerunt gentes in haereditatem tuam; polluerunt templum sanctum tuum; posuerunt Jerusalem in pomorum custodiam.
Posuerunt morticina servorum tuorum escas volatilibus caeli;
carnes sanctorum tuorum bestiis terrae.
Effuderunt sanguinem eorum tamquam aquam in circuitu Jerusalem, et non erat qui sepeliret.
Facti sumus opprobrium vicinis nostris; subsannatio et illusio his qui
in circuitu nostro sunt.
Usquequo, Domine, irasceris in finem? accendetur velut ignis zelus tuus?
Effunde iram tuam in gentes quae te non noverunt, et in regna
quae nomen tuum non invocaverunt:
quia comederunt Jacob, et locum ejus desolaverunt.
Ne memineris iniquitatum nostrarum antiquarum; cito anticipent nos misericordiae tuae,
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About Help us, O God of our salvation
William Byrd sets a powerful Latin text, drawn from Psalm 79, in this substantial sacred anthem. The composer’s own English translation follows, offering a clear parallel for understanding. The work opens with a rich SAATTB texture, immediately establishing a mood of supplication and lament. The intricate vocal lines and harmonic language reflect the profound distress of the text, which describes the desecration of holy places and the suffering of God’s people. Byrd’s masterful control of the five voice parts creates moments of both overwhelming pathos and fervent prayer, urging God to remember his people and pour out his wrath on those who have ravaged the land. It is a deeply expressive and moving setting of a challenging biblical passage.
