Composer

:

Jósef Karai

Style

:

Psalm

Average_duration

:

6:09

De profundis is a choral work composed by Jósef Karai in 1966. The piece was premiered on November 20, 1966, in Budapest, Hungary. It is a setting of Psalm 130, which begins with the words "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord." The work is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and begins with a somber, mournful melody in the lower voices. The upper voices enter with a plaintive, descending line that echoes the psalmist's cry from the depths. The movement builds to a climax with a powerful, dissonant chord before subsiding into a quiet, introspective conclusion. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is more upbeat than the first. It begins with a lively, syncopated rhythm in the upper voices that is soon joined by the lower voices. The text of this movement speaks of the psalmist's hope in the Lord's forgiveness, and the music reflects this with a sense of joy and optimism. The final movement is marked "Lento" and is the most introspective of the three. It begins with a haunting melody in the upper voices that is soon joined by the lower voices. The text of this movement speaks of the psalmist's trust in the Lord's mercy, and the music reflects this with a sense of peace and resignation. The movement ends with a quiet, sustained chord that fades away into silence. Overall, De profundis is a powerful and moving work that reflects the deep emotions and spiritual struggles of the psalmist. Karai's use of dissonance and chromaticism creates a sense of tension and unease that is resolved in moments of beauty and transcendence. The work is a testament to the enduring power of the psalms and their ability to speak to the human condition across time and culture.

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