How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord

Josquin des Prez’s How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord, is a profound setting for SATB choir. The work draws from the Latin text of Psalm 13, a lament that questions divine abandonment and pleads for deliverance. The music mirrors the text’s emotional arc, moving from desperate questioning to an expression of steadfast trust in God’s mercy. Josquin masterfully employs the four voices, creating a rich contrapuntal texture that highlights the dramatic shifts in the psalm. This sacred piece, a responsorial psalm, offers a powerful opportunity for expressive choral singing, conveying deep spiritual yearning and ultimate faith.