Laudate dominum (ssa)

Psalm 150 represents the culmination of the entire book of Psalms. Its exhortation to the entirety of creation to praise God is reflected in this setting through the proclamatory choral writing and the exuberant piano accompaniment. The highly imitative text setting creates an onomatopoetic effect in its percussiveness, and the sweeping range of the piano accompaniment reflects the reality that the psalmist’s joyful call to praise encompasses the entire cosmos. Thus, the piece should be performed confidently, with purposeful articulation in the louder sections and an energetic intensity throughout the softer sections. It is above all a heartfelt response of grateful praise to God for the gifts of creation.

Carolyn Pirtle