1: (Easy) No divisi in voice parts, accompaniment doubles or supports vocal parts, diatonic, symmetrical phrases, textures mostly homophonic, simple rhythms, stepwise voice leading (conjunct), moderate ranges, no extended techniques, and limited sustained singing.
2: (Medium Easy) Limited divisi, voices somewhat independent from accompaniment, some chromatics, phrases may be longer or more fragmented, mostly homophonic, moderate rhythmic complexity, some difficult intervals (disjunct motion), moderate ranges, extended techniques are simple, limited sustained singing.
3. (Medium) Limited divisi, unaccompanied, or with independent accompaniment (voice parts not doubled), many chromatics, phrases of varying lengths, more contrapuntal textures, moderately complex rhythms, some difficult intervals (disjunct motion), moderately difficult/challenging ranges, extended techniques are potentially challenging, and some sustained singing.
4. (Medium Difficult) Abundant divisi, unaccompanied, or accompanying instruments are fully independent from voice parts, many chromatics and/or key changes, long and/or broken phrases, potentially little homophony, complex rhythms, many difficult intervals (disjunct motion), difficult/challenging ranges, potentially difficult extended techniques, and a demand for sustained singing.
5. (Difficult) Adundant divis, unaccompanied, or accompanying instruments are fully independent from voice parts, many chromatics and/or key changes, long and/or broken phrases, potentially little homophony, complex rhythms, extreme ranges, use of challenging or unusual extended vocal techniques, abundant sustained singing.
3 reviews for Psalm 141
Michael –
As a member of a choir that has performed Psalm 141, I am quite convinced that the only thing more enjoyable than listening to it is singing it! The learning process felt effortless, with complex harmonies being expertly parted out in a way that ‘just makes sense’ for the choir. Psalm 141 has moment after moment that both performer and listener wish could last forever.
Michael Alfera –
Conductor of a semiprofessional choir in Los Angeles here. We LOVE performing the works of David von Kampen; Psalm 141 is an example of Mr. von Kampen’s first-rate compositional style. This work is composed with voices in mind; its lines are natural to sing and its text-painting is artful and tactful. The most challenging part of this piece is sustaining certain very long slow phrases. It took our 30 professionals all the air they had to pull it off well. In that light, I might not recommend this piece for a smaller high school choir; I feel that it would work best for larger ensembles that can sustain those really long phrases with stagger breathing.
This piece is an excellent addition to any concert.
Linda James –
This song woos and envelops you like incense. The layers of harmony are exquisite, creating a rich feast for the soul.