Composer

:

Zoltán Gárdonyi

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

3:56

"Der Herr ist mein Hirte (Psalm 23)" is a choral work composed by Zoltán Gárdonyi, a Hungarian composer, organist, and music educator. The piece was composed in 1972 and premiered in Budapest, Hungary, the same year. The work is a setting of Psalm 23, a well-known biblical text that speaks of the Lord as a shepherd who guides and protects his flock. The piece is written for mixed choir and organ, and is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a gentle organ introduction, followed by the choir singing the first verse of the psalm in unison. The music is characterized by a simple, flowing melody and a peaceful, pastoral atmosphere. The choir then breaks into four-part harmony, with the organ providing a supportive accompaniment. The movement ends with a return to the unison singing of the first verse. The second movement is more dramatic and intense, with the choir singing in a more declamatory style. The organ provides a driving, rhythmic accompaniment, and the music builds to a powerful climax. The text of the psalm speaks of walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and the music reflects this with its sense of struggle and tension. The final movement returns to the peaceful, pastoral mood of the first movement. The choir sings the final verses of the psalm in four-part harmony, with the organ providing a gentle, supportive accompaniment. The music gradually fades away, ending on a peaceful, contemplative note. Overall, "Der Herr ist mein Hirte (Psalm 23)" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that captures the pastoral imagery and spiritual themes of the psalm. Gárdonyi's use of simple melodies, rich harmonies, and effective organ accompaniment creates a sense of tranquility and reverence that is fitting for the text.

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