Patricia Van Ness, Psalm 103 (for Peter Marks)

As often happens during grief, the one who has died becomes present to the griever. This happened to me ten days after the death of my husband, Peter Marks. Peter died of cancer, a pain- and fear-filled death, but when he appeared to me he was suffused with loving-kindness, with no pain and no fear. He was filled with joy, humor and peace, and existed in all-love. This piece was composed soon afterward. The text is from both the beautiful Psalm 103 and from Peter's words to me.

Text:
I bless you, with all that is within me,
for you have redeemed me from the grave
and crowned me with loving-kindness.
I am as grass, a flower that blossoms and fades,
but in you I am in all-love forevermore.
I have no fear; I am wholly healed.
I am in all-love forevermore.

I am grateful for this live performance by Canticum Vespertinum (Carlos Serrano, guest conductor), Night Song (Daryl Bichel, Artistic Director), First Church in Cambridge, MA., on January 23, 2022; and to the choir of St. Paul's Episcopal, Burlingame, CA (Susan Jane Matthews, Music Director) who premiered this work virtually in 2020.

COMPOSER, VIOLINIST AND POET PATRICIA VAN NESS is Staff Composer at First Church in Cambridge, Congregational (Peter Sykes, Music Director) and Composer-in-Residence at St. Paul's Episcopal, Burlingame, CA (Susan Jane Matthews, Music Director). Her compositions draw upon elements of medieval and Renaissance music to create a signature voice that has been hailed by musicians, audiences, and critics. She has been called a modern-day Hildegard von Bingen (1,2,) with her ability to compose music “ecstatic and ethereal,” “both ancient and new” (2,3). As in medieval aesthetics, her music and poetry explore the relationship between beauty and the Divine.
1 Gary Higginson, Music Web UK
2 Gaby Beinhorn, Suedwestrundfunk, Germany
3 Susan Larson, The Boston Globe

[richardcompton]

I am just a person living in Tempe, Arizona who discovered the music of Patricia Van Ness this night. As I listened to this piece, not having read the notes from the composer, I was taken to a place of beauty and peace. The continuous upward movement of the base line throughout the work guided me to a higher place of thought and contemplation. The text, brought to one's heart a healing. After listening, I read the notes and now am swept away with a prayer for Peter and Patricia. I love your music, Patricia. Your gift is made manifest in all you create.
May He who is love and peace walk with you in your daily living. Richard Compton

[stevenmarks]

Beautiful music, beautiful tribute for my dear, dear brother. Thank you, Patty

[ESBertrand]

Thank you for sharing! Wonderful work. ❤

[sarahfoleno]

Oh, Patty, what a beautiful tribute to Peter. This will stay with me. "I am in all-love forevermore."

[paulglynn]

So beautiful and a wonderful tribute to Peter.

[billthomas]

Patricia: I just came across this piece, which is just beautiful. I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing.