Composer

:

Guy Ropartz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1897

Average_duration

:

15:30

Psalm 136 is a choral work composed by French composer Guy Ropartz in 1906. The piece was premiered in Paris in the same year and has since become a staple in the choral repertoire. The work is divided into six movements, each corresponding to a different verse of the psalm. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and features a simple, hymn-like melody sung by the choir. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is more lively and features a call-and-response between the choir and a soloist. The third movement, marked "Andante," is a slower, more contemplative section that features a solo soprano singing a melodic line over a subdued choral accompaniment. The fourth movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is the most dramatic section of the piece. It features a fast-paced, rhythmic melody sung by the choir, punctuated by occasional bursts of brass and percussion. The fifth movement, marked "Andante sostenuto," is a return to the slower, more contemplative mood of the third movement. It features a solo tenor singing a melodic line over a lush choral accompaniment. The final movement, marked "Allegro maestoso," is a triumphant conclusion to the piece. It features a fast-paced, celebratory melody sung by the choir, punctuated by bursts of brass and percussion. The movement ends with a grand, majestic chord that brings the piece to a satisfying close. Overall, Psalm 136 is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Ropartz's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, dramatic contrasts, and soaring melodies, making it a favorite among choirs and audiences alike.

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