Composer

:

Edward Bairstow

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Average_duration

:

4:08

Psalm 84 is a choral work composed by Edward Bairstow, an English composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1906 and premiered in the same year at York Minster. It is a setting of Psalm 84, which is a hymn of praise to God for the beauty of his dwelling place. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is a setting of the opening verses of the psalm. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the altos and tenors. The basses enter with a more forceful statement of the melody, which builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective section. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, sung softly by the sopranos. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is a setting of the middle section of the psalm. It begins with a lively, rhythmic melody in the altos and tenors, which is then taken up by the sopranos and basses. The melody is passed between the different sections of the choir, building in intensity until it reaches a powerful climax. The movement then subsides into a quieter section, with the melody passed between the different sections of the choir in a more subdued manner. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, sung softly by the sopranos. The third movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is a setting of the closing verses of the psalm. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the altos and tenors. The basses enter with a more forceful statement of the melody, which builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective section. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, sung softly by the sopranos. Overall, Psalm 84 is a beautiful and powerful choral work that reflects the beauty and majesty of God's dwelling place. Bairstow's use of melody, harmony, and rhythm create a sense of awe and wonder, and the piece is a testament to his skill as a composer and his deep faith in God.

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