Genade en trouw = Grace and Faithfulness, 1971 - 1972

About the Song The Refrain derives its meaning from the verses. It is a litany of five attributes of the new Messianic age, unambiguously flowing from each other. Each consists of only two lines, in a dance-like pattern which flows as follows: AB -BC-CD-DB-ABCD. Huijbers creates the impulse with syncopations, where the text is not confined by the measure lines, having a life independent of the strict metrical pulse of the music. An extra syllable in refrains 1 (genade - compassion) and 4 (gerechtigheid - then righeousness) reflect the poet's original accentual integrity

The Verses flow more smoothly, with almost a retenuto, holding back the energy soon to into the next refrain. The predominant theme is dissuading God from venting anger. In the second line of verse 2, Oosterhuis uses the strongly emphatic verb, kwaad literally asking God, will you be pissed off with us for ever? I translated this monosyllabic word as irked, from Old Norse meaning disgusted with. The musicality in both languages resonates with the hard k throwing weight on the intensity of the question. Long-drawn out melismas and a paucity of words allow the notation to paint their syllabic sounds and enhance their intensity.

In both, Huijbers uses his elementary step-device technique to shape his melodic lines. This natural, logical form of expression, combined with the engaging rhythm, would ensure that the assembly of unformed musician should have no difficulty in singing it. -- Tony Barr