This edition was prepared by Wim Looyestijn — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
How shall a young man cleanse his ways
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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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.
AATTBB, SSAATB · Wim Looyestijn
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How shall a young man cleanse his ways by Michael East — Lyrics
Alleluja. Aleph. Beati immaculati in via, qui ambulant in lege Domini.
Beati qui scrutantur testimonia ejus; in toto corde exquirunt eum.
Non enim qui operantur iniquitatem in viis ejus ambulaverunt.
Tu mandasti mandata tua custodiri nimis.
Utinam dirigantur viae meae ad custodiendas justificationes tuas.
Tunc non confundar, cum perspexero in omnibus mandatis tuis.
Confitebor tibi in directione cordis, in eo quod didici judicia
justitiae tuae.
Justificationes tuas custodiam; non me derelinquas usquequaque.
Beth. In quo corrigit adolescentior viam suam? in custodiendo sermones tuos.
In toto corde meo exquisivi te; ne repellas me a mandatis tuis.
In corde meo abscondi eloquia tua, ut non peccem tibi.
Benedictus es, Domine; doce me justificationes tuas.
In labiis meis pronuntiavi omnia judicia oris tui.
In via testimoniorum tuorum delectatus sum, sicut in omnibus divitiis.
In mandatis tuis exercebor, et considerabo vias tuas.
In justificationibus tuis meditabor: non obliviscar sermones tuos.
Ghimel. Retribue servo tuo, vivifica me, et custodiam sermones tuos.
Revela oculos meos, et considerabo mirabilia de lege tua.
Incola ego sum in terra: non abscondas a me mandata tua.
Concupivit anima mea desiderare justificationes tuas in omni tempore.
Increpasti superbos; maledicti qui declinant a mandatis tuis.
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About How shall a young man cleanse his ways
Michael East presents a rich contrapuntal setting of Psalm 119:9. The motet opens with a jubilant Alleluja, before moving into the sacred text which asks how a young man may keep his way pure. The Latin verses explore the path of righteousness, contrasting it with iniquity. The composer uses his large forces, both SATB and AATTBB choirs, to create a dense and complex texture. The interplay between the distinct vocal groups allows for both powerful homophonic statements and intricate polyphonic passages, reflecting the depth and seriousness of the scriptural message. The musical setting emphasizes the longing for divine guidance and the commitment to following God's law.
