Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14395967
In the light of the aggression taking place in Ukraine it was hard to think of a song from among my own compositions that I felt resonated with my gut reactions to what is happening. As sometimes happens at times of crisis, I found this well known prayer chorus from the Taizé Community in France, playing in my head. The song is a beautiful and simple setting of a heartfelt cry for help.
I am very aware that not everybody identifies with the "Lord" of Christian faith, but even the most atheistic of humans seem to have those moments when they cry out into the unknown for a sense of understanding and a renewal of hope. Feels like we are in one of those places right now.
This particular version of the tune was created some years ago for a prayer group at one of the churches I had served. Scheduling conflicts meant that Yvonne and I could not actually attend the meetings, so this was a way of being part of the gathering without physically showing up. In today's virtual world that is a common experience. But not so much back in the nineteen eighties. lol.
Every song I have ever written was in some way derived from songs others had already crafted. I don't have a problem singing other folks songs, particularly when I have nothing to bring to the table. It is through others that I am learning the craft for myself. Plagiarism is a great learning tool (but then there are such things as copyright laws! Hopefully I am not infringing any right now.)
As for wars and rumors of wars, well sadly and historically, that's the way the world rolls. My parents lived through the Second World War. Their parents endured the First. There have been conflicts in the Baltic's and numerous other places during my own lifetime. Human beings can be brutal to each other. They can also do wonderful things. Caught between the two extremes we live out our days. Maybe that's a song idea I can take on board!
"Lord, Hear My Prayer" sprang out of a life that was dedicated to music making. Jacques Berthier (b. June 27, 1923; d. June 27, 1994) was the son of musical parents. He studied music at the Ecole Cesar Franck in Paris. From 1961 until his death he served as organist at St. Ignace Church, Paris. Although his published works include numerous compositions for organ, voice, and instruments, he is best known as the composer of service music for the ecumenical Taizé community near Cluny, Burgundy.
Berthier began writing songs in 1955 for the services of twenty monastic brothers at Taizé. As the Taizé community grew, he continued to compose most of the mini-hymns, canons, and various associated instrumental arrangements, which are now universally known as the Taizé repertoire. His songs have become become widely used in church music across the denominations.
Knowing of his background and experience is a reminder that, for most of us, songs don't just happen out of nowhere. We learn how songs work and how to put them together. We find ourselves in circumstances where our music resonates with others. We continue the journey. And, very occasionally, we may come up with something that can be helpful, healing and hopeful.
Let us hope common sense is returned, the desires of the powerful are thwarted and that the situation in the Ukraine will find resolution. Right now, I don't see how this situation can be anything but negative. So I cry out. And I pray. And I hope. Sometimes that's all we have to offer.
O Lord, hear my prayer (Berthier)
Copyright: © 1982, Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
Come and listen to me.