De Profundis

This work is a transcription for solo organ of my De Profundis for SATB Chorus and Organ. I composed this piece in remembrance of the dead and to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War in 1918. It takes the form of meditations on the eight verses of Psalm 130 (129 Vulgate) each verse being repeated. The introduction of the work starts with the descending 4 note De Profundis motif followed by a progression of stark and dramatic chords reflecting the horror of World War 1. The meditation on the first verse takes the form of a modal melody accompanied by mournful sustained harmony. The second verse is contrapuntal in nature which is followed by a florid section for solo organ celebrating the end of this catastrophic episode in human history. The third verse is antiphonal and starts with a solo melody which is then answered by a full chorus followed by the fourth verse which is a quasi choral. Next is the reinstatement of the introduction with its descending 4 note De Profundis motif followed by a transposition and variation of the stark and dramatic chords. The meditation on the fifth verse is again antiphonal which is succeeded by the sixth verse which manifests itself as a choral which is accompanied by rich harmony. The florid section for solo organ returns celebrating the end of the First World War. The meditation on the seventh verse contains two modal melodies in counterpoint with each other. The eighth and last verse is initially soft and meditative but concludes more boldly and resolute. The whole Work ends with a mournful descending Amen.