Teach My Lips a Blessing
the music of Erik Contzius
Psalm 150
Kol Simkha, the Temple Israel of New Rochelle Youth Choir
Samantha Spiegel, Max Abrams, Emma Kravitz, Jacob Weingast, and Melissa Chananie, soloists
While I was serving at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, I was contacted by the cantor who followed me at Temple Israel in Omaha. They were celebrating the tenure of Julie Sandene, the organist with whom I worked in Omaha for three years. I was asked if I would write a piece in her honor. This Psalm 150 was the result. I wanted it to be a piece instantly accessible by the congregation, having some musical interest for the cantor as well.
Originally conceived for a congregation of adults, it seems to be equally effective as a work sung by a children’s choir.
Praise God! Praise God in God’s sanctuary;
Praise God in the mighty firmament!
Praise God for God’s mighty acts;
Praise God according to God’s excellent greatness!
Praise God with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise God with the lute and harp!
Praise God with the timbrel and dance;
Praise God with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise God with loud cymbals;
Praise God with crashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise God.
Halleluyah!