Composer

:

Leevi Madetoja

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Requiem

Compose Date

:

1925

Average_duration

:

6:09

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

De Profundis, Op. 56 is a choral work composed by Finnish composer Leevi Madetoja in 1926. The piece is based on Psalm 130, which begins with the words "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord." The work is scored for mixed choir, soloists, and orchestra. The premiere of De Profundis took place on March 25, 1927, in Helsinki, Finland. The performance was conducted by Madetoja himself, and the soloists were soprano Aino Ackté and baritone Wäinö Sola. The work was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Madetoja's most popular compositions. De Profundis is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and begins with a somber orchestral introduction. The choir then enters with the text of the psalm, singing in unison. The soloists take turns singing the verses of the psalm, with the choir providing a rich harmonic backdrop. The movement ends with a quiet, contemplative section. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is more upbeat than the first. The choir sings a joyful hymn of praise, with the soloists joining in to sing the psalm's final verses. The orchestra provides a lively accompaniment, with brass and percussion adding to the festive atmosphere. The final movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is the longest of the three. The choir sings a mournful lament, with the soloists once again taking turns singing the verses of the psalm. The orchestra provides a rich, emotional accompaniment, with strings and woodwinds adding to the melancholy mood. The movement ends with a quiet, prayerful section, with the choir and soloists singing in unison. Overall, De Profundis is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Madetoja's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and dramatic contrasts between the somber first movement and the joyful second movement. The final movement is particularly moving, with its mournful lament and quiet, prayerful ending.

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