Words from the psalms for a Royal Wedding. With a good coda.
Full Title This is the day by John Rutter (b1945)
Notes This beautiful setting of verses from the psalms was commissioned by Westminster Abbey for the wedding of HRH Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton. It was first performed at their wedding, and was broadcast live to millions across the globe. With elegant melodic lines and warm harmonies.
John Rutter said ‘My first thought was that the text should embrace both rejoicing and blessing, and I chose verses from five psalms which seemed to encompass what I wanted to express on behalf of us all. My next thought was that I wanted to write music which would be welcoming in spirit to the royal couple, their families, and to the many people witnessing this happy occasion all over the world.’
Duration 5 minutes
Performers required
- Mixed Voice Choir, accompanied by organ or piano
Source of printed music published by OUP
This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.
O praise the Lord of heaven: praise him in the height.
Praise him, all ye angels of his: praise him, all his host.
Praise him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars and light,
let them praise the Name of the Lord;
For he shall give his angels charge over thee: to keep thee in all thy ways.
The Lord himself is thy keeper: the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand;
So that the sun shall not burn thee by day: neither the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:
yea, it is even thee that shall keep thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in:
from this time forth for evermore.
He shall defend thee under his wings.
Be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart;
and put thou thy trust in the Lord.
Psalms118 (line 1), 148 (lines 2–4), 91 (lines 5 and 10), 121 (lines 6–9), and 27 (line 11)
