Rising – Lang, Have Mercy, my God
David Lang – “Have mercy, my God”
from the little match girl passion
Sunrise, Monday March 16
The recent postponements of our projects have left a void where we normally do what we do best: working together toward a common musical goal and sharing it as far as it will wander. We know we'll be back at it soon, with renewed commitment, but in the meantime, we thought we'd (attempt to) fill the void by sharing some of that art we make together – favorite moments from recent performances and recordings. We hope you'll welcome these little songs in your inbox, sent at Sunrise (in Philadelphia), Monday through Friday, for the next few weeks. It's our way of staying in touch with a huge community of people we're missing – people that, like us, may suddenly have a lot of unexpected, unscheduled time, perfect for some concentrated listening!
First up – Sunrise, Monday morning March 16 – is the ninth movement of David Lang's the little match girl passion: "Have mercy, my God." Some will find here a familiar message of supplication, but we inaugurate "Rising w/ The Crossing" with it because it requires an open, concerted community. It demands intense listening on the part of the singers and conductor. It is transparent, exposed, and fragile, and, as such, requires that the community bind together, cede to a greater whole, and breathe as one. And, it was written by one of our closest musical friends; even though it wasn't written for us, it's become a true signature piece. We'd sing it anywhere, anytime because, like the work of Bach that inspired it, there's ever more to find in its depths. It has the effect of gratitude.
We really love singing together.
– The Whole Team @ The Crossing
the little match girl passion
9. Have mercy, my God
text and music by David Lang
text based on J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion, No. 47, arioso: "Erbarme dich, mein Gott"
recorded in concert at The Crossing @ Christmas
December 22, 2019 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
audio by Paul Vazquez of Digital Mission Audio Services
* * *
Have mercy, my God.
Look here, my God.
See my tears. See my tears fall.
Have mercy, my God. Have mercy.
My eyes are crying.
My heart is crying, my God.
See my tears fall.
See my tears fall, my God.