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Igor Stravinsky [1882-1971] |
Symphony of Psalms [1930, rev. 1948] |
|
Stravinsky's
Symphony of Psalms was commissioned by the Boston Symphony for
its fiftieth anniversary and first performed in December of 1930. "This
symphony composed to the glory of GOD is dedicated to the Boston Symphony
Orchestra on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary." The root
idea of the entire symphony is "the sequences of two minor thirds
joined by a major third" [Stravinsky & Craft: 1968, 45],
or in other words the set [0,1,3,4]. In the first movement, Stravinsky
expands this set to create an octatonic scale on e [the c#/d octatonic
collection], which is exploited throughout the movement.
Symphony of Psalms is scored for 5.5.0.4.-4.5.3.1. timpani, bass drum, harp, two pianos, cellos and basses. "The choir should contain children's voices, which may be replaced by female voices [soprano and alto] if a children's choir is not available." "The three parts of this symphony are to be played without a break. The words of the Psalms are those of the Vulgata and should be sung in Latin." |
| The movements are as follows: |
| 1. Psalm 38:13-14 [Prelude] |
| 2. Psalm 39:2-4 [Double Fugue] |
| 3. Psalm 150 [Allegro symphonique] |
Text
Source: http://home.earthlink.net/~akuster/chor/s060.htm |
Music Source: Professional Recording |