Last Sunday my husband and I went on a long over due trip into D.C. to visit a few of my favorite paintings. In particular, the focus was to find all of the Frederick Edwin Church paintings that are housed in our nation’s capitol. Between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art we managed to find 6 of his breath taking paintings.
“How Lovely is your dwelling place O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young–a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my Kind and my God.”
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”
“As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”
Hear my prayer O Lord God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he with hold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trust in you. ~ Psalm 84
If you like, you can listen to Brahms setting of this great Psalm and read the score as you go. It is fascinating to see and hear his mastery of this text. Peace be with you this week and always.
God Thru the Arts 
Breath-taking paintings, Jennifer!!! You are fortunate to see them in person and so generous to share. Brahms and Frederick Edwin Church – a perfect pairing and a very good way to start this new day. Thank you! 🙂
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You are most welcome and thanks for stopping by 🤗
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Very very beautiful. Thank you for making my Sunday one very fine cultural experience.
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In 1971 I went to Washington and saw the painting of the moonlit River of Light. I bought a print of it. Decades later I saw some of the paintings being exhibited in Edinburgh. The one I bought never got framed, but I kept it all these years. It obviously spoke profoundly to me.
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I know isn’t there just something about his stuff ? He lived a life of wander and wonder 😀
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As for the Brahms, I sang it 7 times in as many days for the anniversary of D-day, in Normandy. We sang it in German with a French choir and the Orchestre de Basse Normandie, in all the different churches- like St Lo, Lisieux Abbey etc. Then the French choir returned with us and we sang it an 8th time in Winchester Cathedral. Magical and people were standing to applaud, with tears streaming down their faces because of the healing effect.
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Oh what a beautiful memory! Thank you for sharing and for stopping by;)
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