Mendelssohn: Psalm Cantatas - Volume 3 (Psalm 114, MWV A 17 & Psalm 98, MWV A 23)
Complete Works VI/8.3
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- Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
- Format: Full Score – Hardcover
- Instrumentation: SATB Choir, Orchestra, Double Choir (SATB + SATB)
- Binding: Hardcover
- Work Languages: English, German
- ISMN:
- Size: 10.0 x 13.0 inches
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
Among Felix's numerous psalm compositions, those extensive settings in which an orchestra is used in addition to the vocal parts stand out as a separate group of works. The Psalm115, Op. 31 MWV A 9, which begins this series of compositions in 1829/1830, is followed by the Psalm 42, Op. 42 MWV A 15, the Psalm 95, Op. 46 MWV A 16 and the Psalm 114, Op. 51 MWV A 17, which were composed between 1837 and 1841. The series concludes with the Psalm 98 MWV A 23, which was composed for the New Year's service in Berlin Cathedral in 1844 and is thus an exception to the previous works, which were not liturgical and rather intended for the concert hall.
The present volume (Series VI/8,3 Psalm Cantatas III) contains the psalms for eight-part choir or double choir and orchestra, the Psalm 114, Op. 51 MWV A 17 and the Psalm 98 MWV A 23.
The Psalm 114 was composed during an interruption in the work on the Psalm 95 from the summer of 1839 to the beginning of 1841. A comparison of the final version with the first draft, which was already completed on 9 August 1839, reveals the numerous revisions and additions. The performances took place in different forms in Leipzig on 1 January 1840 and in Birmingham on 25 September 1840; in particular, Mendelssohn changed the structure of the concluding section considerably, modifying it again before printing. The psalm is the only one of the psalms with orchestra to bear a dedication. It is dedicated to the painter Johann Wilhelm Schirmer (1807–1863), with whom the composer was close friends and with who shared similar ideas regarding their artistic work.
The composition of the Psalm 98 is the only one in the series of large psalm compositions with orchestra whose text was not chosen by the composer, but fitted into a liturgical order. It was composed at the end of December 1843 for the royal court and cathedral choir in Berlin, when Mendelssohn was its artistic director, appointed by Frederick William IV in his capacity as Prussian General Music Director. By composing and performing this psalm at the New Year's Eve service in Berlin Cathedral in 1844, Mendelssohn was attempting to fulfill his contractual duties while at the same time asserting his ideas of appropriate contemporary church music. in contrast to the a cappella choral music desired in the cathedral, he emphatically demonstrated his preference for the composition with orchestra with the Psalm 98. This led to profound disputes with the cathedral clergy and ultimately to Mendelssohn's resignation from his position at Berlin Cathedral. The psalm was not performed again by the composer, nor was it put into print. It wasn't published until 1851, posthumously and under the unauthorized opus number 91.
- The 114th Psalm, Op. 51 MWV A 17 | (14')
- The 98th Psalm MWV A 23 | (8') |
- Appendix I: The 114th Psalm MWV A 17 (First Version)
- Appendix II: The 114th Psalm MWV A 17 (Organ Part for the English First Performance in Birmingham on 25 September 1840)
Works:
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A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
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For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
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Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
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Paperback
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
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Mendelssohn: Psalm Cantatas - Volume 3 (Psalm 114, MWV A 17 & P...
