After completing his musical studies in the choir school of Toulouse’s Saint-Étienne cathedral, Bernard-Aymable Dupuy (1707–1789) held several posts as a singer in Toulouse. He was then appointed maître de musique at Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, then at Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, from 1745 to 1788.

In the tradition of the Versailles grand motet, and with an Italian influence, this piece is a musical version of Psalm 123. The composer uses a rich palette, from figurative instrumental writing (Torrentem recitative) to rich counterpoint (trio) and well-chosen sound effects (doxology), all of which reveal the full emotion of the text. This score testifies to the vitality of music from the south of France in the 18th century.