Composer

:

Samuel Adler

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:51

Psalm 23 is a choral work composed by Samuel Adler in 1985. It was premiered on April 28, 1985, by the choir of the First Presbyterian Church in New York City, conducted by John Weaver. The piece is divided into three movements, each reflecting a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement, "The Lord is my Shepherd," is a gentle and peaceful setting of the opening verse of the psalm. The choir sings in unison, with the melody passed between the different sections. The accompaniment is sparse, with only a few chords played on the piano and occasional interjections from the organ. The overall effect is one of calm and reassurance, reflecting the psalm's message of trust in God's protection. The second movement, "He restoreth my soul," is more complex and dramatic. The choir sings in harmony, with the melody passed between the different sections. The accompaniment is more active, with the piano and organ playing intricate patterns that reflect the turmoil and struggle of the soul. The movement builds to a climax before resolving into a peaceful coda, reflecting the psalm's message of renewal and restoration. The third movement, "Surely goodness and mercy," is a joyful and celebratory setting of the final verse of the psalm. The choir sings in harmony, with the melody passed between the different sections. The accompaniment is lively, with the piano and organ playing a joyful dance-like rhythm. The movement builds to a triumphant conclusion, reflecting the psalm's message of God's abundant blessings. Overall, Psalm 23 is a beautiful and moving choral work that captures the essence of the psalm's message of trust, renewal, and celebration. Adler's use of harmony, melody, and accompaniment creates a rich and varied musical landscape that reflects the different moods and emotions of the psalm. The piece is a testament to Adler's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the power of music to convey spiritual and emotional truths.

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