When I was a high school choral director, one of the most powerful pieces of music I ever heard or conducted was a version of Psalm 42 in Hebrew by Andrew Bleckner. Here are The University of Memphis Singers performing the piece, accompanied by video of their visit to Dachau.
Here is the text and translation of what the students are singing. It is magnificent text setting.
K'ayal ta'arog al afikei mayim
Kein nafshi ta'arog eilecha, Elohim.
Tsamah nafshi leilohim l'eil chai,
Matai avo v'eiraýeh p'nei Elohim?
Ma tishtochachi, nafshi?
Ooma tehemi alai?
Hochili leilohim!
Ki od odenu,
Yeshuot panav, Elohai.
As a deer longs for flowing streams
So my soul longs for you O Beloved, the living God.
My soul thirsts for you O Beloved, the living God.
When Shall we meet face to face?
Why are you so desolate, my soul?
Why so distraught within me?
Hope in the divine source of all!
For I shall praise the Holy One.
My ever present saviour, My God
Kein nafshi ta'arog eilecha, Elohim.
Tsamah nafshi leilohim l'eil chai,
Matai avo v'eiraýeh p'nei Elohim?
Ma tishtochachi, nafshi?
Ooma tehemi alai?
Hochili leilohim!
Ki od odenu,
Yeshuot panav, Elohai.
As a deer longs for flowing streams
So my soul longs for you O Beloved, the living God.
My soul thirsts for you O Beloved, the living God.
When Shall we meet face to face?
Why are you so desolate, my soul?
Why so distraught within me?
Hope in the divine source of all!
For I shall praise the Holy One.
My ever present saviour, My God
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