Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

2:45

De profundis (Psalm 30) is a choral work composed by Virgil Thomson in 1931. The piece was premiered on May 17, 1931, at the First Congregational Church in Los Angeles, California, by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the First Congregational Church Choir, conducted by the composer himself. The work is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement, marked "Lento," is a somber and introspective setting of the opening verses of the psalm. The choir sings in unison, with the orchestra providing a dark and brooding accompaniment. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing "I cried to thee, O Lord," before subsiding into a quiet and reflective conclusion. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a more upbeat and joyful setting of the middle verses of the psalm. The choir sings in harmony, with the orchestra providing a lively and energetic accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and exuberant spirit, reflecting the psalmist's gratitude for deliverance from his troubles. The final movement, marked "Lento," returns to the somber and introspective mood of the first movement. The choir sings in unison, with the orchestra providing a mournful and plaintive accompaniment. The movement is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death, with the choir singing "In my prosperity I said I shall never be moved" before concluding with a quiet and resigned "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into joy." Overall, De profundis (Psalm 30) is a powerful and moving work that reflects the psalmist's journey from despair to hope, from darkness to light. Thomson's use of choral and orchestral textures, as well as his skillful handling of the psalm's emotional and spiritual themes, make this a work of enduring beauty and significance.

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