How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
“Sustenance and Praise” is not a “quiet meditation” but rather a gritty one. It is a musical contemplation of Psalm 104 that incorporates the hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” The piece alternates between two themes: a more repetitive sustained section with some off-kilter rhythm that brings to mind the normal daily sustenance the Lord provides; and bursts of loud sections of praise. However, the hymn’s melody has some twists that evoke the idea of praising God even in the midst of difficult and stormy times. The piece ends calmly, with a C-major quote of its standard melody but with the A-minor motif from the beginning floating above.
This piece would make an excellent special music presentation.
Music: Heather Niemi Savage, © Every Generation MusicUsed by permission.
Contact: Heather Niemi Savage, heatherniemisavage.com