THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD (Psalm 23)

Howard Goodall’s setting of Psalm 23 is a gentle, deeply comforting piece that many will immediately recognize as the theme from the BBC series The Vicar of Dibley. In the choir loft, it offers a wonderful opportunity to feature a clear, expressive soprano soloist before the full choir joins in to carry the familiar words of the psalm. The melody is lyrical and pastoral, perfectly capturing the quiet assurance of being led beside still waters.

When the full choir enters at the "Tutti" section, the harmony adds a warm, enveloping texture to the text. The transition into "Yea, tho I walk thru' the valley of the shadow of death" shifts the mood slightly, grounding the piece in a sense of deep trust, before returning to the bright promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord.

Because of its profound message of comfort and guidance, this arrangement is a fitting choice for Communion or as a reflective choral piece during the liturgy. It is also a deeply moving selection for funerals, offering the congregation a familiar and reassuring reminder of the Good Shepherd's constant presence.