three movements
Chichester Psalms, choral work in three movements by the American composer Leonard Bernstein, who conducted its premiere on July 15, 1965, at England’s Chichester Cathedral, which had commissioned the piece. It is scored for orchestra, chorus, and a boy alto soloist.
What are the Chichester Psalms?
This was to reinforce the liturgical meaning of the passage sung, perhaps to suggest that Psalm 23, a “Psalm of David” from the Hebrew Bible, was to be heard as if sung by the boy David himself. The orchestra consists of 3 trumpets in B♭, 3 trombones, timpani, a five-person percussion section, 2 harps, and strings.
Who commissioned Chichester Psalms and what was Bernstein’s process?
“In that same year, Bernstein was commissioned by the Very Rev Walter Hussey of the Cathedral of Chichester to write something for their annual Grand Music Festival which included three cathedrals: Winchester, Salisbury, and Chichester, a collaboration dating from the seventeenth century.
Why did Bernstein write the Chichester Psalms?
Hussey was hoping that Bernstein would feel unrestrained for composing in a more popular vein despite the sacred nature of the assignment. Bernstein composed Chichester Psalms amid a busy schedule, completing his first work since the Third Symphony, Kaddish, in 1963, written in memory of President Kennedy.
Chichester Psalms is an extended choral composition in three movements by Leonard Bernstein for boy treble or countertenor, choir and orchestra. The text was arranged by the composer from the Book of Psalms in the original Hebrew. Part 1 uses Psalms 100 and 108, Part 2 uses 2 and 23, and Part 3 uses 131 and 133.
When did Leonard Bernstein conduct the Chichester Psalms?
June 23, 1973. (Courtesy of The Leonard Bernstein Office, Inc.) On June 23, 1973, Leonard Bernstein conducted his Chichester Psalms at the Vatican, in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s ascension to the papacy.
Is there a ballet with Psalms in it?
For Peter Martins’ ballet to this music, see Chichester Psalms (ballet). Chichester Psalms is an extended choral composition in three movements by Leonard Bernstein for boy treble or countertenor, choir and orchestra. The text was arranged by the composer from the Book of Psalms in the original Hebrew.
What is the difference between the Kaddish Symphony and Chichester Psalms?
While both works have a chorus singing texts in Hebrew, the Kaddish Symphony has been described as a work often at the edge of despair, while Chichester Psalms is affirmative and serene at times.
