Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1894

Publication Date

:

1970

First Performance

:

Apr 18, 1966

Average_duration

:

5:26

Charles Ives' Psalm 135, for chorus, brass, organ & percussion, S. 154, was composed in 1906 and premiered in 1907. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," begins with a fanfare-like brass introduction that sets the tone for the entire piece. The chorus enters with a declamatory statement of the psalm text, "Praise ye the Lord, praise ye the name of the Lord." The music is characterized by a sense of grandeur and majesty, with the brass and percussion providing a powerful rhythmic foundation for the choral parts. The second movement, marked "Andante moderato," is a more introspective and contemplative section. The chorus sings a hymn-like setting of the text, "For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods." The music is characterized by a sense of reverence and awe, with the organ providing a rich harmonic backdrop for the choral parts. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a triumphant and exuberant conclusion to the piece. The chorus sings a joyful setting of the text, "Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praises unto his name, for it is pleasant." The music is characterized by a sense of celebration and jubilation, with the brass and percussion providing a lively and energetic accompaniment to the choral parts. Overall, Psalm 135 is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Ives' skill as a composer of choral and instrumental music. The piece is notable for its use of brass and percussion, which add a sense of grandeur and majesty to the music, as well as its rich harmonic language and expressive choral writing.

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