Title:	Psalm 42 Wie der Hirsch Schreit
Duration:	15`
Year of composition:	2008
First performance:	Bachakademie Stuttgart
	Sept 13 2009, Domkirsche
Publisher:	Universal Edition

Psalm 42 'Wie der Hirsch schreit' was commissioned by the International Bachakademie Stuttgart for their celebration of the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's birth. Mendelssohn's composition of the same name, Psalm 42 op. 42, is for choir, soloists, orchestra and organ. Following the Bachakademie's suggestion I kept close to the original setting of Mendelssohn's Psalm, adding only a few instruments (harp, celeste). Also the percussion and organ parts are much more extensive compared to the original. The number of soloists in both compositions differs slightly as well. Mendelssohn uses 5 soloists (1 soprano, 2 tenors and 2 basses). I decided to reduce this to 2 (soprano, bass). When it comes to the text, it was slightly shortened by Mendelssohn. I use the full version in my work. A recording of the text of the Psalm in Hebrew, read by a narrator, is added to the beginning of the piece.

One might wonder of course what is expected from a modern composer who is asked to create a contemporary version of an almost two hundred year-old composition. Well, one can do a lot even within very narrow limits. And in this particular case they were not as narrow as it might seem. The text of the Psalm 42 is rather rich in both language and emotional content. Its eleven verses are all different in mood and character. It builds up to very powerful climaxes in some parts and calms down to almost idyllic scenes in others. It has a powerful drama in it and can be put to music either as a succession of several separate episodes (Mendelssohn's version) or be treated as an exciting dramatic episode in an opera (my choice). As I understand it, the story is of a lonely human soul being constantly cast between greatest despair and the most innocent belief and hope in the Almighty and His grace.

It is a great honour to contribute to the worldwide celebration of Mendelssohn's anniversary with this piece. For me his music has always been a perfect example of an exquisite musical taste. What always remains after listening to any of his works is a memory of a beautiful and incredibly well-balanced work of art, a real treasure indeed. He was an artist with a pure and sincere soul full of joy and harmony. Two hundred years ago it was perhaps not that rare at all. Nowadays … is it?