Louis Bourgeois (PHH 3) composed or adapted this tune for Psalm 42 for the Genevan psalter. The 1564 harmonization by Claude Goudimel (PHH 6) originally placed the melody in the tenor. An alternate harmonization with descants by Johann Crüger (PHH 42) can be found opposite 41 in the Psalter Hymnal. (See also notes at PHH 42.)

Since the character of Isaiah 40 is very different from the lament of Psalm 42, for which the tune was written, the tempo should be faster here than at 42. Sing with a buoyant and lilting rhythm. Organists will find preludes to this tune under GENEVAN 42 in Dutch works or under FREU DICH SEHR in German works.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook