As we look back on choral/orchestral repertoire that has been impactful, timeless, and relevant, we recognize the enduring success and popularity of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms written in 1965. Noting the important, yet limited correspondence between Bernstein and Reverend Hussey (Chichester Cathedral) who commissioned the piece, we clearly discover that it was Maestro Bernstein’s suggestion to structure the work in three movements using numerous (6) psalms. Undoubtedly, Chichester Psalms is the most successful and widely performed choral orchestral work sung in the Hebrew language. Since recently preparing and performing the work, I am reminded of it’s effect on our choral musicians.
Each movement musically sets a complete psalm and augments that movement with a portion of an additional psalm resulting in contrasting material or enhancing material with similar sentiments. The first movement uses the entire Psalm 100 with additional verses from Psalm 108 which awakens the listener in triumph and a dancelike celebration in a 7/4 meter (“Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord”). The second movement is a gentle and lyrical setting of Psalm 23 with a boy soprano soloist and women’s voices. The stark contrast of Psalm 2 (“Why do the nations rage”) is agitated, aggressive and jarring. The juxtaposition of these two themes of peace and conflict completes this fascinating movement. The third movement is the work’s longest, using Psalm 131 in a somewhat mystical rocking 10/4 meter concluding with a reverent homophonic a cappella coda in a hymn-like style setting a portion of Psalm 133. We hear the concluding passage, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
The Old Testament psalms have been an enduring scriptural source at a time of social and political conflict, resolution, and comfort. Bernstein’s interest in the welfare of the people in Israel since statehood in 1946 is clearly conveyed in this work. Setting the psalms only to be sung in Hebrew make the work even more compelling and natural. Our world continues to struggle with national borders, religious and political extremism and conflict; while we also recognize significant humanitarian peace efforts. Chichester Psalms focuses on celebration, peace, war, and unity. It is a work to be honored, studied, and performed with new musicians and new audiences for another 50 years.
(Make plans now to attend your 2016 ACDA Divisional Conference!)
Stephanie Henry says