Igor Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms is a three-movement choral symphony in a neo-classical style, featuring a dialogue between orchestra and choir rather than simple accompaniment.
Composer Biography
Alexander Zemlinsky, born in Vienna with a mix of Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish cultures, converted to Protestantism in 1899 and was the brother-in-law of Arnold Schoenberg.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The musical and prayerful richness of The Book of Psalms inspired the composers on this album to create vastly differing works combining symphonic and choral elements.
Composition History
Igor Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Compositional Technique
Bernstein's Chichester Psalms features a solo boy (or countertenor) representing the psalmist David, and an orchestra that omits woodwind but makes imaginative use of strings, brass, percussion, and two harps.
Composition History
Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms was an unconventional commission by Walter Hussey, Dean of Chichester Cathedral, for the Southern Cathedrals Festival of 1965.
Composition History
Arnold Schoenberg's Friede auf Erden was composed in 1907 but not performed until 1911, and then only with instrumental accompaniment, despite being conceived as an a cappella work.
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