Composer

:

David Lang

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2002

Average_duration

:

10:07

David Lang's "How to Pray" is a choral work that premiered on October 27, 2013, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "For the Heavens," is a slow and meditative piece that features a simple melody sung by the choir. The lyrics are taken from a prayer by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, and the music is meant to evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the natural world. The second movement, "For the Earth," is a more rhythmic and energetic piece that features a driving percussion beat and a complex choral arrangement. The lyrics are taken from a prayer by the 20th-century American poet Wendell Berry, and the music is meant to evoke a sense of connection to the earth and the natural world. The third and final movement, "For the Self," is a quiet and introspective piece that features a solo soprano voice singing a simple melody. The lyrics are taken from a prayer by the 19th-century American poet Walt Whitman, and the music is meant to evoke a sense of inner peace and reflection. Overall, "How to Pray" is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of spirituality, nature, and self-reflection. The music is characterized by Lang's signature minimalist style, with simple melodies and repetitive rhythms that build to create a sense of emotional intensity and depth. The piece is a testament to the power of choral music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

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