Mendelssohn's setting of Psalm 42 - like much of the rest of his music - has been described as controlled, refined, comfortable, melodious, and unique. Optional MIDI file available separately (on MIDI disk LMF-1001)

Duration 4:49

Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

From Stabat Mater, which was well received by both the public and the critics when it was published in 1883. Its simple and brooding melodic lines complement the pity, sympathy, and sorrow of the text. Optional MIDI file available separately (on MIDI disk LMF-1001)

Duration 5:43

Composer: Antonin Dvorak

From the German Requiem. The Requiem of 1868, was written in memory of his mother, and established Brahm's reputation as a composer. The text for this chorus, Psalm 84, is thought to be one of the Pilgrim Songs which were sung on the journeys to the temple for the annual feasts. Optional MIDI file available separately (on MIDI disk LMF-1001)

Duration 5:06

Composer: Johannes Brahms

This triumphal chorus from the oratorio, The Creation, received its first public performance in Vienna in 1779. Texts are taken from Genesis and from Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost. This was the first piece published with both German and English as original texts. Original English text was translated into German for Haydn to set (he felt uncomfortable with setting English) to music. The English text was subsequently added and thus was first released with both texts underlaid. Optional MIDI file available separately (on MIDI disk LMF-1001)

Duration 2:04

Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn

With its use of abundant dynamic and metrical changes, this well-known chorus is a good example of music composed during the early Romantic period. The text is based on a paraphrase of Psalm 19 by Christian Gellert (1715-1769) which describes heaven and earth singing the glories of the Creator.

Duration 2:34

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

From The Childhood of Christ, Op.25. This quiet chorus from the oratorio, L'enfance du Christ, written in 1854 when Berlioz was 51, is found in Part II, The Flight into Egypt. Perhaps it was his intent to convey the spiritual transformation of the shepherds following their encounter with the Christ child. Optional MIDI file available separately (on MIDI disk LMF-1001)

Duration 3:24

Composer: Hector Berlioz