Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1953

Average_duration

:

4:24

The Old 100th Psalm is a choral composition by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It was composed in 1946 and premiered on June 8, 1947, at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The piece is based on the melody of the hymn tune "Old Hundredth," which is one of the most famous and widely used hymn tunes in the Christian church. The Old 100th Psalm is a four-movement work that is scored for choir and organ. The first movement is a majestic setting of the hymn tune, with the choir singing the melody in unison while the organ provides a rich harmonic accompaniment. The second movement is a more subdued setting of the same melody, with the choir singing in four-part harmony and the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The third movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the hymn tune, with the choir singing in a lively and syncopated rhythm while the organ provides a driving accompaniment. The final movement is a grand and triumphant setting of the hymn tune, with the choir singing in full harmony and the organ providing a powerful and majestic accompaniment. The Old 100th Psalm is characterized by its rich and complex harmonies, its use of syncopated rhythms, and its grand and majestic sound. It is a powerful and moving work that has become a staple of the choral repertoire, and it is often performed in churches and concert halls around the world.

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