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Perhaps the earliest collection of songs that exists, the Book of Psalms has inspired thousands of musical works throughout the ages. It is also one example of the links between Christian and Jewish celebrations which share these ancient texts of praise, introspection, lamentation, and prayer.

 

Using a soprano, two violins, oboe, cello, and harpsichord, this program presents a handful of settings from both traditions, with flamboyant works by Händel, extracts from an anonymous manuscript in Hebrew on Psalm 133, a setting labeled “alla Corelli” by Swedish composer J.H. Roman (known as the “Swedish Händel”), a

beautiful setting of Psalm 6 with oboe d´amore by G.P. Telemann, and a “crossover” piece by Marcello written in both Italian and Hebrew.

 

To remind us of the endurance of the Psalms throughout history, several intonazione in Hebrew by the curious Benedetto Marcello – who was fascinated by the ancient traditions he witnessed in the synagogue in Venice - are included. As Händel´s setting of Psalm 89 says, “My Song Shall Be Always” and “with my mouth will I ever be showing thy truth from one generation to another.”  We finish the program in the same energetic style with another of Händel´s Chandos Anthems. Text painting is clear as the bass line imitates the waves in “The Lord Ruleth the Sea,” and we close the program with a roar of waves.