Written in a period of total isolation during the pandemic, this piece is a reflection on isolation, loss, and hope. Drawing on the therapeutic nature of the Anglican psalm tradition, the piece moves from quiet, broken prayer, through emotional moments of instability, before arriving at a brief climax of hope. Ideal for Lent, memorial services, and solemn worship, as well as concert programs exploring themes of struggle and hope.

From The Composer Oscar Osicki on Psalm 70

This 8-part SATB a cappella setting of Psalm 70 was conceived during one of the most trying periods of the 2020 pandemic. Having lived in America for some years, I watched as the country became overridden with sickness, protests, riots, and instability. Eventually my visa expired, and with no prospect of renewal at that time, I had to leave.

Upon returning home, I found myself isolated in an empty, unfurnished apartment, with only a table, a chair, a stove, and a bed. Alone, torn from my community, and troubled by the rising disquiet I had witnessed in America, I turned to the words of Psalm 70. The text resonated deeply with me during that period of profound isolation.

I was reminded of the Anglican psalm chants I had sung multiple times per week with the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is often said in England that the mark of a good choir is how well they sing Anglican psalm chant, and it was at Cambridge that I discovered the therapeutic power of psalm singing. The nature of psalm singing allows for an immense freedom of emotional expression, even while the choir sings in total unity—it was the healing nature of psalms in times of trouble that I wanted to capture in this piece.

The work unfolds as a subdued prayer, moving through moments of instability before arriving at a brief climax of hope. The piece opens softly, mirroring a quietly broken prayer, gently calling out from the deep. The middle section embodies instability, whereas there is one brief moment of strength at the fleeting climax—a cry of hope in an otherwise troubled work.

The psalm chant sections need not be totally rhythmical. The rhythms were written to express the speech-like freedom that comes with psalm singing; the most important aspect is performing the subtle yet emotional expression of the text—the musicality comes from expressive delivery of the text itself.

Duration: Approximately 4.5 minutes
Voicing: SATB divisi (S-S-A-A-T-T-B-B), no solos
Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced choirs 

Programming: Ideal for Lent, memorial services, penitential services, or concert programs exploring themes of struggle, affliction, and hope. The stark and profound harmonic language makes this an emotionally powerful addition to sacred or contemporary choral programs.