A Celtic obbligato adds charm to this gentle setting of the 23rd Psalm. While the first stanza is in unison, verse two is a brief tone painting with a grave "death's dark vale," set in minor for several bars, then returning to major as the key changes. A trio of melody, descant and obbligato are perfect companions to create a final verse full of strength which restates the promise of singing and dwelling in the "house of the Lord forever."