Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

Jul 1837

Publication Date

:

1838 - 1839

First Performance

:

Jan 1, 1838

Average_duration

:

21:21

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn composed his choral work 'Psalm 42 As pants the hart, Op. 42' in 1837. The piece was premiered in Leipzig on March 5, 1838, with the composer conducting the Gewandhaus Orchestra and Chorus. The work is divided into three movements, each of which reflects the text of the psalm. The first movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening line of the psalm, "As pants the hart for cooling streams." The choir then enters, singing the same text in a homophonic texture. The music is characterized by its flowing, lyrical melody and gentle harmonies, which evoke the image of a deer thirsting for water. The movement ends with a repeat of the opening text, sung by the choir in unison. The second movement is a duet for soprano and tenor voices, set to the text "My tears have been my meat day and night." The music is more somber and introspective than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The duet is accompanied by a solo cello, which adds to the melancholic mood of the music. The movement ends with a repeat of the opening text, sung by the choir in a hushed, prayerful tone. The final movement is a joyful and triumphant setting of the text "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" The music is characterized by its lively tempo, rhythmic energy, and bright harmonies. The choir sings in a homophonic texture, with occasional interjections from the soloists. The movement ends with a repeat of the opening text, sung by the choir in a jubilant, celebratory manner. Overall, 'Psalm 42 As pants the hart, Op. 42' is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Mendelssohn's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its flowing melodies, gentle harmonies, and emotional depth, which reflect the text of the psalm. The work remains a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike, and is considered one of Mendelssohn's most accomplished choral compositions.

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