Diane Bish: Psalm 42: SATB: Vocal Score

In this arrangement by Bish the music builds in intensity as the choral parts convince the soloist to believe and hope in god. Together they reach the climax of praise as they break into a rollicking heavenly accented rhythm. Then the sopranos sing a descant of praise as the organ breaks into a cadenza of running sixteenths and accented rhythms. The psalm ends in a serene repetition of 'hope thou in God' by both soloist and choir finally reaching the piece's ending C-major chord.

In this psalm of praise the solo soprano and flute begin in a recitative finally joined by choir and instruments in a joyful modulation from C to E major. The organ plays a major role with soprano and flute as running sixteenth notes in the left hand describe God's many and continued blessings. The middle section is a retreat from the driving rhythm reminded by both soprano and flute of the peace of God's healing of sin and disease for all who ask. Once again the music breaks forth into praise as it builds to a final sforzando of exultation in praise of God.