Composer

:

Ildebrando Pizzetti

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Requiem

Compose Date

:

1937

Publication Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

5:23

Ildebrando Pizzetti's 'De profundis' is a choral work that was composed in 1922. It premiered in Milan in the same year, and it is considered one of Pizzetti's most significant works. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked 'Lento e mesto,' is a somber and mournful setting of the first few verses of Psalm 130. The choir sings in unison, with occasional harmonies, creating a sense of unity and solidarity. The music is slow and deliberate, with long, sustained notes that create a sense of longing and despair. The movement ends with a quiet, almost whispered, plea for mercy. The second movement, marked 'Allegro con fuoco,' is a stark contrast to the first. It is a fast-paced, energetic setting of the middle section of the psalm. The choir sings in a lively, syncopated rhythm, with frequent changes in tempo and dynamics. The music is full of passion and intensity, reflecting the psalmist's plea for redemption and forgiveness. The final movement, marked 'Lento e mesto,' returns to the mournful tone of the first. It is a setting of the final verses of the psalm, which express hope and trust in God's mercy. The choir sings in a gentle, soothing melody, with occasional harmonies that create a sense of peace and comfort. The music gradually fades away, leaving the listener with a sense of calm and serenity. Overall, 'De profundis' is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Pizzetti's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of contrasting moods and textures, as well as its expressive melodies and harmonies. It is a testament to the enduring power of the psalms, and a reminder of the human need for redemption and forgiveness.

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