Randall Thompson’s Alleluia (1940) is a poignant a cappella choral work commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky for the opening of the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood. Composed in just five days, the piece reflects Thompson’s somber response to the fall of France during World War II. Rather than a celebratory fanfare, he crafted a meditative setting of the single word “Alleluia,” concluding with a quiet “Amen.” Thompson described it as “a very sad piece,” drawing inspiration from the Book of Job: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Its restrained dynamics, simple harmonies, and introspective tone have made it a staple of the choral repertoire, cherished by choirs worldwide.