Bernstein's Chichester Psalms: A Concert of Psalms
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Christchurch City Choir presents Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, a concert of Psalms.
Conducted by Director of Music, Dr John Linker and featuring organist Jeremy Woodside, harpist Helen Webby, percussionist Ciaran Wright and treble Hamish Dark.
Leonard Bernstein began writing the 3 movement work in 1963, in response to a request for a work to feature in the Chichester Cathedral’s Music Festival two years later. While adhering to the norms of choral Church music, Bernstein used only Hebrew text and so was able to use the melodic and rhythmic contours of the Hebrew language to dictate mood and melodic character. The contrasts in mood vary from the fiery Psalm 2 “Why do the nations rage?” to the peace and tranquility of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd”. Here Bernstein’s use of harp accompaniment, (played by Helen Webby), is a musical evocation of King David, the shepherd-psalmist.
Chichester Psalms is tuneful, tonal and contemporary, featuring modal melodies and unusual meters. From the time of its sold-out world premiere at Philharmonic Hall on July 15, 1965 conducted by the composer himself, it was apparent that Bernstein had created a magically unique blend of Biblical Hebrew verse and Christian choral tradition; a musical depiction of the composer’s hope for brotherhood and peace.
Other Psalms performed will include Mozart's Laudate Dominum (Psalm 117), Brahms' How Lovely are thy Dwellings (Psalm 84), Elgar's Great is the Lord, (Psalm 48), Vaughan Williams' O Clap your Hands (Psalm 47), Purcell's I was Glad (Psalm 122), Bloch's Psalm 19 and Mathias' Psalm 100 for organ.
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