Composer

:

Michel-Richard Delalande

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1689

Publication Date

:

1992

Average_duration

:

29:43

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

De profundis, S. 23 is a sacred choral work composed by Michel-Richard Delalande in the late 17th century. The piece is a setting of Psalm 130, which begins with the words "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord." It is a powerful expression of penitence and supplication, and has been set to music by many composers throughout history. Delalande's setting of De profundis is a masterful example of French Baroque choral music. It was composed in 1684, during the reign of Louis XIV, and was likely performed at the royal chapel at Versailles. The piece is scored for four-part choir, with a basso continuo accompaniment of organ and bass instruments. The work is divided into six movements, each of which sets a different section of the psalm. The first movement begins with a solemn, mournful melody in the choir, accompanied by a simple organ bass. The second movement is more lively, with a faster tempo and more complex harmonies. The third movement returns to the mournful mood of the first, with a beautiful melody in the soprano voice. The fourth movement is a duet for alto and tenor voices, accompanied by a gentle organ melody. The fifth movement is a lively fugue, with the choir singing in counterpoint to the organ accompaniment. The final movement is a grand, triumphant setting of the psalm's final verse, with the choir and organ combining to create a powerful climax. Throughout the work, Delalande's use of harmony and counterpoint is masterful, creating a rich and complex texture that perfectly captures the emotional depth of the psalm. The piece is a testament to the power of music to express the deepest human emotions, and remains a beloved example of French Baroque choral music to this day.

More....