Hilary Tann - Psalm 104

HILARY TANN
Psalm 104
(Praise, my soul)
for Mixed Choir (SATB) and Chamber Orchestra
Instrumentation
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet in A
—with alternative part in Bb
Bassoon
2 Horns in F
2 Solo Trumpets in C*
—with alternative parts in Bb
Mixed Choir (SATB)
Strings
Duration: about 8 minutes
for online perusal only
Note: at the conductor’s discretion, the woodwind parts may be doubled.
*Trumpets may be placed, standing, to the left and right of the stage, either
behind the strings, or, for maximum antiphonal effect, in front of the
orchestra.
First Performances
The original composition for mixed choir, trumpets, and organ was performed by
the North American Welsh Choir, conducted by Mari Morgan, 4 September 1999,
at the Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The setting for mixed choir and chamber orchestra was performed on 14 May
2002, William Abbott Recital Hall, Kleinpell Hall, University of Wisconsin-River
Falls, River Falls, Wisconsin, by the UWRF Concert Choir and members of the St.
Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. A. Grace Cajiuat.
Note from the Composer
Psalm 104 (Praise, My Soul) was commissioned by Côr Cymry Gogledd America
for the 1999 North America National Gymanfa Ganu in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Composed during July and August 1998, the piece is based on five verses from
“Psalm 104” by metaphysical poet Henry Vaughan (1621–1695), who was born of
Welsh parents at Newton-by-Usk, Breconshire, and lived most of his life in Wales.
Interspersed within Vaughan’s text are four verses of the Psalm from the King
James Bible and the first verse (in either English or Welsh) from the hymn “Goss
(Praise, my soul),” written by John Goss (1800–1880). The English version,
“Praise, my soul,” was written by H. F. Lyte (1793–1847); the Welsh version,
“Molwch Arglwydd,” was written by Morris Williams (Nicander) (1809–1874).
Psalm 104 was originally composed for mixed choir, two trumpets, and organ.
The setting for mixed choir and chamber orchestra was requested by Dr. A. Grace
Cajiuat and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chamber Choir and Orchestra
and premiered on 14 May 2002.
—H.T.