Psalm 55 is an early recorded expression of the universal human cry for help. In Italian, this is rendered “Pietà, Signore” (“Have Mercy, O Lord”). This composition is attributed to Alessandro Stradella (1639–1682), although research shows it was likely composed by an anonymous contemporary. Famous singers such as Luciano Pavarotti have brought the piece to life. Cantor Gershon Sirota (1874–1943) recorded his own Hebrew version based on King David’s words. We hope that you find this Italian-Hebrew Baroque music inspiring, and that it continues to live for centuries to come.
Recorded live on Yom Kippur 2020 at Park Avenue Synagogue David Enlow,
Music Director Cantor
Joseph Ness, Orchestration