Composer

:

Jake Runestad

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:08

"I Will Lift Mine Eyes" is a choral work composed by Jake Runestad in 2016. The piece was premiered on October 22, 2016, by the Choral Arts Society of Washington, D.C., under the direction of Scott Tucker. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "I Will Lift Mine Eyes," is a setting of Psalm 121. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening line of the psalm, "I will lift mine eyes unto the hills." The choir then enters, singing a lush and harmonious setting of the text. The movement is characterized by its soaring melodies and rich harmonies, which evoke a sense of hope and comfort. The second movement, "The Lord Is My Keeper," is a setting of Psalm 121:5-6. The movement begins with a solo tenor voice singing the text, "The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand." The choir then enters, singing a rhythmic and energetic setting of the text. The movement is characterized by its driving rhythms and syncopated melodies, which convey a sense of strength and protection. The third movement, "The Lord Shall Preserve Thy Going Out and Thy Coming In," is a setting of Psalm 121:8. The movement begins with a solo alto voice singing the text, "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." The choir then enters, singing a joyful and celebratory setting of the text. The movement is characterized by its lively rhythms and exuberant melodies, which convey a sense of gratitude and praise. Overall, "I Will Lift Mine Eyes" is a powerful and uplifting choral work that showcases Runestad's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and rhythmic energy, which combine to create a sense of hope, strength, and joy.

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