Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

Jan 4, 1895 - Jan 8, 1895

Publication Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

24:34

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Antonin Dvorák's Biblical Songs (10), B. 189, Op. 99, is a cycle of ten songs for voice and piano, composed in 1894. The songs are based on texts from the Book of Psalms, translated into Czech by Josef Václav Sládek. The premiere of the cycle took place in Prague on January 5, 1895, with the composer's son, Otakar Dvorák, as the soloist. The cycle is divided into ten movements, each based on a different psalm. The first song, "Clouds and Darkness," is a somber and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second song, "Thou Art My Refuge," is more hopeful and uplifting, with a soaring melody and a sense of triumph over adversity. The third song, "I Will Sing New Songs," is a joyful and exuberant piece that celebrates the power of music to lift the spirit. The fourth song, "Hear My Prayer, O Lord," is a plaintive and prayerful piece that expresses a sense of longing and desperation. The fifth song, "Blessed Is the Man," is a gentle and contemplative piece that reflects on the rewards of a virtuous life. The sixth song, "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes," is a majestic and triumphant piece that celebrates the glory of God. The seventh song, "God Is My Shepherd," is a pastoral and peaceful piece that evokes the image of a shepherd tending to his flock. The eighth song, "I Waited Patiently for the Lord," is a quiet and introspective piece that expresses a sense of resignation and acceptance. The ninth song, "Sing Ye a Joyful Song," is a lively and celebratory piece that encourages the listener to join in the chorus of praise. The final song, "Give Ear to My Prayer, O God," is a solemn and prayerful piece that brings the cycle to a close with a sense of reverence and awe. Throughout the cycle, Dvorák's music is characterized by its lyricism, its sensitivity to the text, and its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. The Biblical Songs are considered to be one of Dvorák's most important vocal works, and they continue to be performed and recorded to this day.

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