Bless the Lord, O my soul
by Cèsar Franck, arranger at present unknown, arrangement adapted by Saul Schechtman

A piece of rare quality: commanding, majestic, vivid, covering a wide range of feeling from the somber, awe-filled introduction to the soaring middle to the peace-filled conclusion. It gives the listener an opportunity to really enjoy the Bösendorfer’s warm, sonorous bass. Spiritually and musically, this is a piece rich in meaning.

Text: includes Ps. 103: 1-4, 19, Ps. 104:5

Bless the Lord, o my soul
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgiveth all this iniquities,
Who healeth all thy diseases
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

Bless the Lord who laid the earth’s foundations
That they should not be moved,
Should not be moved forever.
How great are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them.

The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens,
The Lord is God on earth and in the heaven,
And there is none beside Him,
His kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the Lord, o my soul.