Composer

:

Edvard Grieg

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1906

Publication Date

:

1907

Average_duration

:

24:25

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Edvard Grieg's 'Psalms (4), Op. 74' is a choral work composed in 1898. It premiered on October 30, 1898, in Oslo, Norway, with the composer conducting. The work consists of four movements, each based on a different psalm text. The first movement, "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place," is based on Psalm 84. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the choir, accompanied by a simple organ accompaniment. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in harmony and the organ playing more complex chords. The movement ends with a triumphant climax, as the choir sings "Blessed are they that dwell in thy house." The second movement, "God is Our Refuge and Strength," is based on Psalm 46. It begins with a powerful organ introduction, followed by a unison choir singing the opening words of the psalm. The music alternates between sections of quiet contemplation and sections of intense, rhythmic energy. The movement ends with a majestic choral statement of the psalm's final words: "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." The third movement, "Behold, How Good and How Pleasant," is based on Psalm 133. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the choir, accompanied by a simple organ accompaniment. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in harmony and the organ playing more complex chords. The movement ends with a joyful choral statement of the psalm's final words: "For there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." The fourth and final movement, "Sing Unto God," is based on Psalm 68. It begins with a lively, rhythmic organ introduction, followed by a unison choir singing the opening words of the psalm. The music alternates between sections of quiet contemplation and sections of exuberant celebration. The movement ends with a triumphant choral statement of the psalm's final words: "Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel." Overall, Grieg's 'Psalms (4), Op. 74' is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases the composer's skill at setting sacred texts to music. The music is both contemplative and celebratory, with moments of quiet introspection and moments of joyful exultation. It is a fitting tribute to the psalms, which have been a source of inspiration and comfort to people of faith for thousands of years.

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