Composer

:

Robert Starer

Average_duration

:

2:29

'Give Thanks Unto the Lord' is a choral work composed by Robert Starer, an Austrian-born American composer, pianist, and educator. The piece was composed in 1984 and premiered in the same year. It is a four-movement work that is characterized by its use of biblical texts and its incorporation of traditional Jewish melodies. The first movement, titled "Psalm 100," is a joyful and celebratory piece that sets the tone for the entire work. The text is taken from Psalm 100, which is a hymn of thanksgiving and praise. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and its lively tempo. The second movement, titled "Psalm 23," is a more contemplative piece that sets the text of Psalm 23 to music. The movement is characterized by its use of a traditional Jewish melody, which is used to create a sense of longing and introspection. The third movement, titled "Psalm 150," is a lively and energetic piece that sets the text of Psalm 150 to music. The movement is characterized by its use of a call-and-response structure, which is used to create a sense of community and celebration. The final movement, titled "Hallelujah," is a triumphant and exultant piece that sets the text of Psalm 150 to music. The movement is characterized by its use of a traditional Jewish melody, which is used to create a sense of joy and jubilation. Overall, 'Give Thanks Unto the Lord' is a powerful and moving work that combines traditional Jewish melodies with biblical texts to create a sense of celebration, contemplation, and joy. It is a testament to Starer's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both deeply spiritual and musically engaging.

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