Water on the Thirsty Land
SATB choir
(2015)

Three movements
1. Isaiah 43:1-3
2. Isaiah 44: 2-4
3. Isaiah 58: 11-12
Text: Excerpted from the Book of Isaiah (Bible)
Language: English
Duration: 13 minutes

Premiered February 2015
Rockefeller Chapel Choir
James Kallembach, conductor
Chicago IL

Composer’s Note

Water on the Thirsty Land was commissioned by the Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago IL as a work celebrating the new partnership between the University of Chicago and the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. I wanted to recognize both the sacred power of water and the sacred space of the chapel in which this piece would premiere.

Text

I. Isaiah 43: 1-3
“…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
(2)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
(3) For I am the LORD your God…”

II. Isaiah 44: 2-4
“Thus says the LORD who made you…
Do not fear, O Jacob my servant…
(3) For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my spirit upon your descendants,
and my blessing on your offspring.
(4) They shall spring up like a green tamarisk,
like willows by flowing streams.”

III. Isaiah 58: 11-12
“The LORD will guide you continually,
and satisfy your needs in parched places,
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters never fail.
(12) Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundation of many generations;
the restorer of streets to live in.”