Nisi Dominus (Handel)

The psalm setting (Psalm 127, Vulgate 126) Nisi Dominus, HWV 238, was completed by George Friederic Handel on 13 July 1707. It is most likely that the work was first performed on 16 July 1707 in the Church of Santa Maria in Montesanto, under the patronage of the Colonna family.

In the Gloria, Handel writes for eight voices in a double chorus and (uniquely in his output) a double string orchestra.

A typical performance lasts almost 12 minutes.

[edit] Movements

The work has the following movements:

Movement	Type and Voice	Text
1	Soloists and Chorus	Except the Lord build the house: their labour is but lost that build it Except the Lord keep the city: the watchman waketh but in vain.
2	Aria (Tenor solo)	It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness.
3	Aria (Countertenor solo)	For so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children and the fruit of the womb: are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
4	Aria (Bass solo)	Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant: even so are the young children.
5	Aria (Tenor solo)	Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
6	Double Chorus	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.