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Instrumentation: Clarinet in B-flat, Soprano, Piano

Duration: Approx. 10:40

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Program Notes

Confusion. Frustration.  Pain.  Raw emotions are abundant during a time of loss.  We ask the philosophical questions, “Why God?” Anger erupts inside. Reality sets in. Grief takes us deep into the depths of our soul, and in our moment of profound grief we don’t understand why we must suffer. When we come face to face with what is dark and painful, we may lash out at God in anger to release our emotions, and it is then that we begin the healing process. Through the words of Psalm 13, crying out to God, we will come to trust in Him. For the answer is not a why, but a “Who.” 

“But I have trusted in your merciful love” Ps. 13:5

-Theresa Martin 2-1-24

Release was commissioned by Roddy Terrell as part of a consortium of five pieces, by five different composers, inspired by the five stages of grief.

Text from Psalm 13

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever

How long, Lord? Will you utterly forget me?

How long will you hide your face from me? 

How long must I bear pain in my soul,

and have sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long must I carry sorrow in my soul, 

grief in my heart day after day?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; 

lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Look upon me, answer me, Lord, my God! 

Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death,

Lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.

lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in your merciful love; 

my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

But I trust in your mercy. 

Grant my heart joy in your salvation,

I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt bountifully with me.