"Seks Bibelske Salmer"
for mezzo-soprano and organ
This cycle (1996) of six pieces for mezzo-soprano (compass: c'-a'') and organ consists of on the texts of the following Psalms of David: 100 - 128 - 130 - 23 - 134 - 150. The music as I have composed it has no melodic relation with the Genevan psalmmelodies (with the single exception of Psalm 100).
 
This choice of Psalms is not coincidental: four of them were sung in 1956 during the wedding service of my parents, to whom the composition is dedicated. The melodies in that service were of course the Genevan renaissance melodies as they still are in use in Holland. I wrote the cycle because I was asked to give a concert for them to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Nevertheless, the psalms can be used separately without any problem. The language is Norwegian. Total performance time is about 20 minutes.

Published
Published by Lyche Musikkforlag AS
(21 pages, Order nr.1087)
Music notation and layout by the composer

Review
Gjermund Bjørklund in "Norsk Kirkemusikk", january 2000:
, .....The Seks Bibelske Salmer all have a different character, from a fanfare like Psalm 100, characterised by fourth jumps, and a gently flowing Psalm 128, to a pastoral Psalm 23 etc. The composer has caught the mood of each of the Psalms well. It would be enjoyable to hear the Seks Bibelske Salmer performed!"

Sound examples
You can listen to five RealAudio clips of the concert I gave for my parents in Zwolle, Netherlands, in may 1996. The soprano you hear is Johannette Zomer. I have portrayed her in black and white. The organ you hear is made by Flentrop for the Christian-Reformed church in Zwolle. Netherlands, in 1982, a fine example of Dutch organ building.

Help with playing the soundclips and using the PDF-files          can be found in the Technical info section

 

Psalm 100    "A Psalm of praise".
   Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. [2] Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing
Clip 1    More Info / download clip

(Psalm 100: 4)
   Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
In this part I quote the Genevan melody as used in Holland
Clip 2    More Info / download clip

Psalm 130:4-5
   But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Clip 3    More Info / download clip
Psalm 23:1-2    "A Psalm of David"
   The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Clip 4    More Info / download clip

Psalm 150:6
   Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
Clip 5    More Info / download clip
 

Clipnumber Filename	Kb	Ta	Musical contents of  the clip	Other info
Clip 1 09Bibsalm100a.ra	267	64	Salme 100 (fragm.1)	Fragments from premiere may '96, with Johannette Zomer, soprano, Wim Kamp, organist Flentroporgan 1982, Noorderkerk Zwolle, The Netherlands, Recording: Sicco Steendam
Clip 2 10Bibsalm100b.ra	429	44	Salme 100 (fragm.2)
Clip 3 11Bibsalm130.ra	174	44	Salme 130 (fragm.)
Clip 4 12Bibsalm23.ra	470	44	Salme 23 (fragm.)
Clip 5 13Bibsalm150.ra	622	64	Salme 150 (fragm.)

 

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