Composer

:

Arthur Hernandez

Genre

:

Chamber

Average_duration

:

15:03

Shepherd's Psalm is a choral work composed by Arthur Hernandez. The piece was premiered on May 5, 2018, by the Los Angeles Master Chorale at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. The work is divided into three movements and is approximately 15 minutes in length. The first movement, "The Lord is My Shepherd," is a setting of Psalm 23. The movement begins with a solo soprano singing the opening line of the psalm, which is then echoed by the choir. The movement is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and lush harmonies. The choir sings the text in unison, creating a sense of unity and community. The second movement, "The Valley of the Shadow of Death," is a setting of Psalm 23:4. The movement begins with a solo tenor singing the text, which is then echoed by the choir. The movement is characterized by its dark, brooding harmonies and dissonant chords. The choir sings the text in a call-and-response style, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty. The third movement, "Surely Goodness and Mercy," is a setting of Psalm 23:6. The movement begins with a solo alto singing the text, which is then echoed by the choir. The movement is characterized by its joyful, uplifting melody and bright harmonies. The choir sings the text in a round, creating a sense of celebration and unity. Overall, Shepherd's Psalm is a beautiful and moving choral work that showcases Hernandez's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, flowing melodies, and powerful use of text. It is a testament to the enduring power of the psalms and their ability to inspire and uplift people of all faiths.

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