Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

Dec 15, 1843

Publication Date

:

1849

First Performance

:

Dec 24, 1843

Average_duration

:

6:23

Felix Mendelssohn composed his choral work 'Psalm 2 Warum toben die Heiden, Op. 78/1' in 1843. The piece was premiered on March 19, 1844, in Leipzig, Germany, with the composer conducting the Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Leipzig Singakademie. The work is based on Psalm 2 from the Old Testament, which describes the rage of the nations against God and his anointed one. Mendelssohn's setting of the text is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement begins with a dramatic orchestral introduction, featuring pounding timpani and brass fanfares. The choir enters with the text "Why do the heathen rage?" in a forceful and declamatory style. The music alternates between sections of intense choral singing and quieter, more reflective passages. The second movement is a lyrical and introspective aria for solo soprano, accompanied by a gentle string orchestra. The text speaks of God's love and protection for his chosen one, and the music reflects this with its tender melodies and delicate harmonies. The final movement returns to the dramatic and forceful style of the opening, with the choir and orchestra building to a powerful climax. The text speaks of the triumph of God over his enemies, and the music reflects this with its triumphant brass fanfares and exultant choral singing. Overall, 'Psalm 2 Warum toben die Heiden, Op. 78/1' is a powerful and dramatic choral work, showcasing Mendelssohn's skill at combining text and music to create a deeply emotional and expressive piece.

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