Composer

:

Amy Beach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Publication Date

:

1932

Average_duration

:

3:41

"Out of the Depths, Op. 130" is a choral work composed by Amy Beach in 1914. It was premiered on March 23, 1915, by the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston, Massachusetts. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Out of the Depths," is a setting of Psalm 130. It begins with a somber and introspective introduction, featuring the choir singing in unison. The mood gradually becomes more hopeful as the choir sings the words "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait," with increasing intensity. The movement ends with a triumphant declaration of faith, as the choir sings "And with Him is plenteous redemption." The second movement, "The Lord is My Shepherd," is a setting of Psalm 23. It is a gentle and pastoral piece, featuring a solo soprano singing the opening lines of the psalm. The choir then joins in, singing in a homophonic texture that evokes the peacefulness of the shepherd's fields. The movement ends with a return to the solo soprano, who sings the final lines of the psalm with a sense of calm assurance. The final movement, "I Will Give Thanks," is a setting of Psalm 138. It is a joyful and exuberant piece, featuring the choir singing in a lively and syncopated rhythm. The movement is characterized by its use of call-and-response, with the choir singing the words "I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord," and the soloists responding with "Among the gods will I sing praises unto thee." The movement ends with a triumphant declaration of praise, as the choir sings "For great is the glory of the Lord." Overall, "Out of the Depths, Op. 130" is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Amy Beach's skill as a composer.

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