Composer

:

Philip Moore

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:35

Psalm 4 is a choral work composed by Philip Moore, a British composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1983 and premiered in the same year. It is a setting of Psalm 4, a biblical text that speaks of trust in God and the peace that comes from knowing Him. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is a setting of the first two verses of the psalm. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the altos and tenors. The choir then sings the text in unison, before breaking into a four-part harmony. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, this time sung by the full choir. The second movement is marked "Andante" and is a setting of verses 3-5 of the psalm. It begins with a solo soprano singing the text, accompanied by a gentle organ accompaniment. The choir then joins in, singing the text in four-part harmony. The movement builds to a climax, with the choir singing the text "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness" in a powerful, full-throated harmony. The movement then ends with a return to the gentle opening melody. The final movement is marked "Allegro" and is a setting of verses 6-8 of the psalm. It begins with a lively organ introduction, before the choir enters with a joyful, celebratory melody. The text speaks of the peace that comes from trusting in God, and the music reflects this with its bright, optimistic tone. The movement builds to a triumphant climax, with the choir singing the text "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep" in a powerful, full-throated harmony. The piece then ends with a return to the opening melody, this time sung by the full choir. Overall, Psalm 4 is a beautiful and uplifting choral work that reflects the peace and trust that comes from knowing God. Its three movements each offer a different perspective on the psalm, and the music is both powerful and gentle, reflecting the text in a beautiful way.

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