Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

7:32

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ned Rorem's 'Psalms (3)' is a choral work composed in 1972. It was premiered on May 7, 1972, by the New York Choral Society at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The piece consists of three movements, each based on a different psalm. The first movement, based on Psalm 121, is marked "Moderato, con moto." It begins with a unison statement of the psalm text, which is then repeated in a four-part harmony. The music is characterized by a sense of upward motion, reflecting the psalm's theme of looking to the hills for help. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful section that suggests the psalmist's trust in God's protection. The second movement, based on Psalm 130, is marked "Andante sostenuto." It begins with a solo soprano singing the first line of the psalm, "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord." The choir then enters with a mournful melody that builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective section. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the soprano soloist singing the final line of the psalm. The third movement, based on Psalm 150, is marked "Allegro con brio." It is a joyful, exuberant setting of the psalm, with the choir and organ trading off in a call-and-response pattern. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and use of syncopation. The movement ends with a triumphant statement of the psalm's final line, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." Overall, 'Psalms (3)' is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer of choral music. The piece is notable for its use of contrasting moods and textures, as well as its sensitive treatment of the psalm texts.

More....