In the Sight of Angels
Probably one my most difficult pieces is for choir: In the Sight of Angels. Several different groups have attempted it over the years, with varying degrees of success. This is probably the only decent recording I have of it.
What makes it so difficult? The piece is a cappella, and the music is hypertonal and contrapuntal, because I was trying to convey the awful, terrifying nature of Angels (something we usually gloss over most of the time). Anyone in the bible who encounters an Angel is always afraid. Angels always have to reassure people: “Fear not”, etc. So my idea was that anyone who can hold it together to actually sing in front of these astounding, supernatural creatures has something pretty special going on. In this case, it is the singers faith that gives them the courage to perform with Angels looking on.
The text is pretty simple, based on the 138th Psalm, with some repetitions:
In the sight of Angels.
In the sight of Angels I will sing.
I will sing.
In the sight of Angels I will sing.
I will sing.
I will confess you Lord
with all my heart.
For your mercy
For your mercy and your truth.
In the sight of Angels
I will sing
your praises.
I will sing your praises
For your mercy and your truth.
Listen to:
In the Sight of Angels