Composer

:

Nico Muhly

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:37

'Like as the Hart' is a choral work composed by Nico Muhly in 2010. It was premiered on May 22, 2010, by the Choir of Trinity Wall Street and the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Julian Wachner, at Trinity Church in New York City. The piece is divided into three movements, each based on a different text from the Book of Psalms. The first movement, "Like as the Hart," is a setting of Psalm 42:1-3, which speaks of the longing of the soul for God. The second movement, "Why art thou so full of heaviness," is a setting of Psalm 42:5-7, which speaks of the despair and anguish of the soul. The final movement, "O put thy trust in God," is a setting of Psalm 42:11, which speaks of the hope and faith that sustains the soul. Muhly's setting of these texts is characterized by his use of rich harmonies and intricate textures. The choir is often divided into multiple parts, creating a complex web of sound that is both lush and transparent. The orchestra provides a rich accompaniment, with strings, winds, and brass all contributing to the overall texture. Despite the complexity of the music, Muhly's setting of the Psalms is deeply emotional and expressive. The music captures the longing, despair, and hope of the texts, conveying the full range of human emotion. The result is a powerful and moving work that speaks to the human experience of faith and doubt.

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