Create a Song Once More

"The Altarpiece of St. Cecilia" by Raphael

St. Cecilia's words to King David after his fall from grace

Commissioned by Doreen Rao for Jennifer Haywood and the Elmer Iseler Singers

Poet/Lyricist:

Elizabeth Alexander

The inspiration for this song came from a work of art, Raphael's Altarpiece of St. Cecilia, in which the patron saint of music brings forgiveness to King David after his shameful fall from grace, encouraging him to make music again.

With poetic imagery from the psalms and a message of unconditional forgiveness, this piece's proud, defiant opening is transformed into pastoral song, full of reconciliation and peace.

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Create a Song Once More

St. Cecilia speaks to King David

Poem by Elizabeth Alexander

When young and proud, you praised a God of wrath,
And called on Him to grind beneath His heel
The bones of all who wandered from His path.
How tall you stood! But now, my friend, you kneel,
A golden boy no longer. Your hands are stained
With blood, and in despair they cling to pain
While your sweet harp lies banished on the ground.
Where is your voice? This silence can’t restore
The past, and only grief that’s given sound
Is heard and healed. Create a song once more
Of streams which clap their hands to greet each day,
And hills and trees which praise the heavens vast.
Take up your harp, my shepherd king, to play
And sing again, and find some peace at last.