The Lord is My Strength

The Lord is My Shepherd was composed as a dedication to the men who worked the quarry in Branford, Connecticut in the area known as Stony Creek. It was very dangerous, back-breaking work, and if a block of granite didn't fall on you and kill you, the silicosis from the stone dust would. The twenty third psalm eloquently expresses the feelings these men who worked the quarry must of had as they put their lives and their fate in the hands of the Lord.  "Even though I walk through the valley of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me." When there was an accident and the steam whistle would blow the alarm, the whole town would stop in its tracks. Wives, mothers, teachers, and school children would hold their breath and say a silent prayer...." Please God, don't let if be him." The work opens quietly with soprano and alto soloist, accompanied by a solo violin, viola and cello. They are joined by the full string section and later by the full chorus. The work, depending on the instruments available, can be performed in a variety of ways; All string accompaniment, with just organ accompaniment, or a combination of both.