Recording of a lecture delivered on August 23, 2024, by Annapolis Dean Suzy Paalman as part of the Formal Lecture Series.
Ms. Paalman describes her lecture: "The motet by Palestrina based on Psalm 42:1 is beloved at St. John's College. If one reads further into the Psalm than the first verse, one can find a return of the motif of water which first appears as "fontes aquarum" in Palestrina's Latin. These "flowing streams" return as tears, as a pouring out of the soul, as cataracts, and more. The "cervus" (deer) of the first verse never appears again explicitly. Instead, we take in images of people: a crowd of mockers, a throng of joyful worshippers, and more. Whereas adding bits of water together doesn't change the character of the water, gathering different people together can have great consequences for the individuals so gathered. The Psalmist wrestles with division and community in himself, in his surroundings, and with his God. What does he long for? Can we learn something about the longing of our own hearts by paying close attention to this Psalm? Come to the lecture and find out!"
Ms. Paalman's lecture is the first formal lecture of the academic year. Previously referred to as the Dean's Lecture, this lecture is now called the Christopher B. Nelson Lecture.