Songs of Comfort and Joy

Esther Megargel

Commissioned by the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts, Art for Uncertain Times project

PDF of scores below, or watch the performance on YouTube featuring Melissa Heath, soprano, Christina Castelano, flute, and Christian Asplund, piano.

I. Hide Not thyself from Me (adapted from Psalm 55) (Video from 1:40 to 7:21)

II. My Soul is Quiet (adapted from Psalm 131) (Video from 17:00 to 21:47)

III. I Will Sing Unto the Lord (adapted from Psalm 104) (Video from 41:11 to 45:06)

songs of comfort and joy…

Songs of Comfort and Joy for Soprano, Piano and Flute (2021) is based on the Psalms o the Bible. Hide Not thyself from Me (adapted from Psalm 55) is a plea for help in a time of trouble and anguish. We implore the Lord to answer our prayers and reveal His loving care. As we call upon God, we receive the assurance that He will not only hear us, but redeem us from our stress, and provide comfort. My Soul is Quiet (adapted from Psalm 131) provides a calming influence upon those who suffer, or are in distress. As we seek the Lord in humble prayer, our souls can become calm and quiet, like a child at peace in his mother’s arms. I Will Sing Unto the Lord (adapted from Psalm 104)provides a respite from the cares of this world. Music is eternal and pleasing unto the Lord. May it lift hearts and bring a measure of joy to those who listen. —Esther Megargel, 2021

Esther Megargel

(b. 1942) grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and has also lived in Oregon and Utah. She studied piano, organ, and violin before focusing her musical efforts on composition. Esther holds degrees in music education from Western Oregon University and music composition from the University of Oregon and Brigham Young University. She is actively engaged writing in vocal, choral, and instrumental genres. Esther has been a member of Salt Lake Choral Artists, the Salty Cricket Composer's Collective, and the Phoenix Rising Composer's Choir.