Symphony of Psalms

The Symphony of Psalms (1930) is part of Stravinsky's neo-classical period. The work was born out of a commission by Serge Koussevitsky to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony. It uses the Latin text from Psalms 38 (1st movement (Prelude), verses 13-14), 39 (2nd movement (Double Fugue), verses 2-4), and 150 (3rd movement (Allegro symphonique), complete). The orchestration calls for 5 flutes (with some doubling on piccolo), 5 oboes (some doubling on cor anglais), 4 bassoons, 4 horns, 5 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, bass drum, harp, 2 pianos, and a string section consisting only of cellos and double basses. The choir consists of tenors and basses, and should contain children's voices, which may be replaced by female voices (soprano and alto) if a children's choir is not available.

Related Topics:
1930 - Stravinsky - Serge Koussevitsky - Boston Symphony

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