Composer

:

Kay Johannsen

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2012

Average_duration

:

03:33

"Der Herr ist mein Hirte" is a choral work composed by Kay Johannsen, a German composer, conductor, and organist. The piece was composed in 2008 and premiered on October 26, 2008, at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different verse from Psalm 23. The first movement, "Der Herr ist mein Hirte," is a setting of the first verse of the psalm. It begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening line, "The Lord is my shepherd," which is then echoed by the choir. The movement is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and its use of rich harmonies. The second movement, "Er weidet mich auf einer grünen Aue," is a setting of the second verse of the psalm. It features a solo alto voice singing the opening line, "He makes me lie down in green pastures," which is then taken up by the choir. The movement is characterized by its pastoral imagery and its use of lush, pastoral harmonies. The third movement, "Gutes und Barmherzigkeit," is a setting of the final verse of the psalm. It features a solo tenor voice singing the opening line, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me," which is then echoed by the choir. The movement is characterized by its joyful, celebratory character and its use of bright, triumphant harmonies. Overall, "Der Herr ist mein Hirte" is a beautiful and uplifting choral work that showcases Johannsen's skill as a composer. Its use of rich harmonies and pastoral imagery make it a perfect piece for church choirs and other religious settings.

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