Musical Moments #18
Musical Moments #18
“Music, the very passion of my soul.”
—Thomas Jefferson
The Last Words of David - Randall Thompson (1899-1984)
It is hard to imagine a short choral work more diverse and more compelling. From the majestic opening to the tender middle section, Randall Thompson explores a plethora of musical textures and colors for both choir and orchestra. The instrumental choices he makes enhance the text and work to paint a vivid musical landscape.
Born the son of an English teacher, Thompson was a New Englander who spent his life in the academy where he served in many positions during his career. These included being director of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and later a professor for his alma mater, Harvard, where he was a beloved chorus director. He was an important pedagogue, having taught many students who would later establish prominent careers including Leonard Bernstein at both Harvard and Curtis. Thompson’s influence on 20th American choral music is significant.
While he composed a number of instrumental works, songs, and operas, Thompson is known best for his choral works, especially The Last Words of David and his Alleluia which was commissioned by Koussevitzky for the opening of the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood.
The text comes from 2 Samuel, Chapter 23.
He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning
without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining
after rain.
Alleluia, Amen.
This recording of the Bach Choir and Orchestra is from 1998.
-John V. Sinclair
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace.”
—Jimi Hendrix