Composer

:

Arthur Honegger

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1941

Publication Date

:

1943

Average_duration

:

5:03

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Arthur Honegger's 'Psalms (3), H. 144' is a choral work composed in 1941. It was premiered on June 22, 1941, in Zurich, Switzerland, by the Zurich Chamber Choir and the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. The work consists of three movements, each based on a different psalm from the Old Testament. The first movement, 'Psalm 130,' is a setting of the famous 'De Profundis' text, which begins with the words "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord." The music is somber and introspective, with the choir singing in unison and the orchestra providing a dark, brooding accompaniment. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, 'Psalm 121,' is a more upbeat and optimistic setting of the text, which begins with the words "I lift up my eyes to the hills." The music is characterized by lively rhythms and bright, colorful orchestration, with the choir singing in harmony and occasionally breaking into joyful exclamations. The movement ends with a triumphant affirmation of faith. The final movement, 'Psalm 97,' is a setting of the text "The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice." The music is grand and majestic, with the choir and orchestra combining to create a sense of awe and reverence. The movement features a number of dramatic contrasts, including a quiet, contemplative section in the middle and a thrilling climax near the end. Overall, 'Psalms (3), H. 144' is a powerful and deeply spiritual work that showcases Honegger's skill as a composer of choral music. The music is characterized by a strong sense of drama and emotion, with the composer using a wide range of musical techniques to bring the psalms to life.

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