What happens when longing becomes anguish? When the soul has been waiting so long that its only sustenance is its own tears? In Episode Two of The Choral Canon, Where Longing Arrives, host Ross S. Bish, MM, CAGS returns to Psalm 42 with Palestrina's Sitivit Anima Mea, the powerful companion to Sicut Cervus. And then, a nineteenth century Austrian composer answers the psalm's darkest question with three of the most certain words ever set to music. This place was made by God. Two pieces. One complete arrival.

Recordings from today’s episode are taken from the Public Domain Internet Archives.

What does it mean to long for something so deeply that it moves you to tears? In Episode One of The Choral Canon — Where Longing Rests — host Ross S. Bish, MM, CAGS explores two masterworks of the late Renaissance that ask exactly that question. Palestrina's Sicut Cervus reaches toward God with aching, flowing polyphony. Monteverdi's Ecco Mormorar L'onde reaches toward the beauty of the natural world at dawn. Two composers. Two kinds of longing. One choral tradition that holds them both.

Sicut Cervus recording is from the Pennsylvania Collegiate Choral Association festival 2010 under the direction of Paul Salamunovich.

Ecco Mormorar L’onde recording is from the Public Domain Archives.

Host Ross S. Bish, MM, CAGS introduces himself, the show, and the mission behind it: to bring listeners inside the history, the text, and the artistry of choral music. Whether you are a lifelong choral singer, a conductor, or simply someone who suspects there might be something in this music for you, this is your invitation. Episode One drops soon.