The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
Psalm 23:1
In this Sunday’s Gospel from John we are told that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. As a church musician, when contemplating this passage it’s only natural that the words of Psalm 23, and most especially the beloved hymn "The King of love my shepherd is" pops into my mind.
The King of love is a poetic paraphrase of Psalm 23. Several years ago I composed six variations based on the six stanzas of this hymn. You can listen below. In my composition, each variation paints a “musical picture” as follows:
1. The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine for ever.
(Variation 1 calls to mind the pastoral sound of a shepherd’s pipe.)
2. Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth, and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.
(A flowing, gentle accompaniment surrounds the melody.)
3. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me, and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.
(Here, the melody begins in the top voice followed one measure later by the same melody an octave lower giving a sense of ambiguity suggestive of “straying off,” but all is resolved by the end.)
4. In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord, beside me; thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me.
(Variation 4 begins somber, but quickly brightens as it follows the trajectory of the words.)
5. Thou spread’st a table in my sight; thy unction grace bestoweth; and oh, what transport of delight from thy pure chalice floweth!
(A flute-like arabesque expressing delight.)
6. And so through all the length of days thy goodness faileth never: Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house for ever.
(Full, rich harmony builds to a climax, then diminishes to a quiet end suggesting eternity.)