Notes from Dr. Melanie Zeck
The Library of Congress American Folklife Center
On May 11, 2024, National Philharmonic joins The Washington Chorus in a concert featuring three pieces for instrumental ensemble and chorus: Lili Boulanger’s Psalm 24 “La Terre Appartient à L’Éternel,” Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Mass in C, Op. 86. As the titles suggest, Boulanger, Stravinsky, and Beethoven each set a sacred text (or texts) to music, but as you will discover, they did so by employing very different compositional strategies.
Pay special attention to the instruments used in each piece and which ones have been omitted. Consider how the orchestra interacts with the chorus and the extent to which the concepts embedded in the texts are conveyed through the instrumental portions of the piece. Take note of the language used in each piece, as well, and consider why that language is appropriate. Try listening to the four vocal soloists in two different ways: first, as messengers, and second, as musical sensations.
At the end of the consider, think about the similiarites between and among the pieces, but notice the differences, too, as they reflect each composer’s circumstances.