Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

Aug 15, 1844

Publication Date

:

1915

First Performance

:

Sep 2, 1944

Average_duration

:

3:16

"Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen über dir (Psalm 91)" is a sacred choral work composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1844. The piece is based on Psalm 91, which speaks of God's protection and care for his people. The work was premiered on March 2, 1844, in Leipzig, Germany, as part of a concert celebrating the 400th anniversary of the printing press. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of the opening verses of the psalm, which speak of God's protection and care for his people. The music is characterized by its bright, energetic rhythms and soaring melodies, which convey a sense of confidence and trust in God's providence. The second movement is a slower and more contemplative setting of the middle verses of the psalm, which speak of God's faithfulness and steadfastness in the face of danger and adversity. The music is characterized by its gentle, flowing melodies and rich harmonies, which convey a sense of peace and security in the midst of life's trials. The final movement is a triumphant setting of the closing verses of the psalm, which speak of God's ultimate victory over evil and his promise of eternal life to his people. The music is characterized by its bold, majestic rhythms and soaring melodies, which convey a sense of awe and wonder at God's power and majesty. Overall, "Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen über dir (Psalm 91)" is a powerful and uplifting work that reflects Mendelssohn's deep faith and his belief in the power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Its combination of joyful exuberance, peaceful contemplation, and triumphant celebration make it a timeless masterpiece of sacred choral music.

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