Music Can Add Richness and Meaning to Bible Readings

Our current Daily Mass readings are revealing the interrelated life stories of Saul, Jonathan and David the Giant Slayer. These readings describe the procedures and justification for the eventual anointing of David as King of the chosen people.

St. Augustine is reputed to have said "He who sings well, prays twice," and I believe it is true that music can enhance our understanding and heighten the impact of the liturgy. Composers across the centuries have written liturgically based works, perhaps the best-known of which is the Messiah, by George Friedrich Handel.

Interestingly, the story of King David has also been set to music, and in a most remarkable composition called, not surprisingly, "Le Roi David" (King David), by the Austrian composer Arthur Honegger. Sung and narrated in French, it lasts about an hour and ten minutes.

There are several recordings, the finest of which I think is a 1961 version with the Utah Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maurice Abravanel. A highlight of this recording is the rich, clear and easily understandable French narration by Martial Singher. I once heard a recording that is narrated with great passion by the composer himself. Prestomusic.com lists ten recordings currently available, the most recent of which was released in 2020.

I find this music to be a perfect complement to the Old Testament readings, as it brings a new dimension of vitality to the ancient story, making it more memorable and, may I say, even hummable. Once you have heard the music it will live on and be a constant reminder of the tale it tells so beautifully.

And not only is the music enticing, the libretto is replete with memorable lyrics that are beautifully performed by soloists and chorus. Honegger, who lived from 1892 to 1955, writes in a modern yet easily accessible style. He was one of the group of composers called "Les Six," which also included Igor Stravinsky, Francis Poulenc, and Darius Milhaud. While all occasionally dabbled in atonality, there is nothing ear-splitting in Le Roi David.

The Oratorio tells a quite complete story, beginning with Samuel choosing from among the sons of Jesse, David, the shepherd, who sings "The Eternal is my shepherd, I am nothing but his lamb" (L'Eternel est mon berger, Je ne suis que son agneau).

As everyone knows, David slays the Philistine giant Goliath with a rock from his sling. He is lauded by the people for his accomplishments to the chagrin of King Saul, who plans to kill him. Saul's son Jonathan reminds Saul that David is God's anointed and must not be touched.

When war breaks out anew with the Philistines Saul attempts to consult an oracle to determine the outcome. Although he comes disguised as a simple peasant the oracle reveals his true identity in a remarkable performance by the composer's wife, Madeleine, as the Witch of Endor. Saul and Jonathan are killed in battle and David laments their passing in a heart-rending dirge.

So David is crowned and the whole nation rejoices, as even David himself dances before the Ark of the Covenant. But David later becomes enamored with Bathsheba, and sends her husband Uriah to the frontline of battle where he is killed. David cries for forgiveness with the words "Lave moi" (Wash me), which are repeated to form a piteous litany.

Ultimately David grows old, feeble, and, seeing that he can no longer lead his people, anoints Solomon as the new king. David dies, his final words, "Cette vie etait si belle, je vous beni, toi que me l'a donnee." (This life has been so beautiful, I thank you who gave it to me.)

The composition ends with a glorious Alleluia, not as well known as Handel's, but equally moving.