Back

Psaume 129 « Ils m’ont assez opprimé dès ma jeunesse »

Lili Boulanger
Scoring chorus and orchestra
Other versions Psaume 129 « Ils m’ont assez opprimé dès ma jeunesse » (solo voice(s) and orchestra)
Date 1916
Premiere

January 17, 1923, by the vocal ensemble class of the Conservatoire and the orchestra of the Opéra conducted by Henri Busser, with Nadia Boulanger at the organ, in the Salle du Conservatoire in Paris (“Audition des envois de Rome des œuvres de Lili Boulanger”)
Duration 7 min

Commentary

The work opens in a climate of desolation. The orchestra repeats an archaic modal incantation that rises harshly and gradually modulates. A feeling of revolt emerges, preparing the vigorous, solemn entry of the chorus: “Ils m’ont assez opprimé dès ma jeunesse.” The rising pentatonic inflections are punctuated by menacing timpani and brief orchestral outbursts. When it comes to depicting the greatness of God (“L’Éternel est juste”), the harmony becomes more diatonic, though still forceful, the chorus hammering out each syllable. After evoking “les méchants,” the composer unfolds a new rising orchestral progression of real dramatic power, its mounting tension leading to a grandiose climax (“Qu’ils soient confondus…”). The next section unfolds a theatrical crescendo with rather harsh chromatic harmonies illustrating images of desolation (“qu’ils soient comme l’herbe des toits qui sèche…”). The tension resolves into a strictly diatonic modal harmony as the writing moves toward calm (“Que la bénédiction de l’Éternel soit avec vous…”), chorus and orchestra gradually withdrawing into silence.

In this powerful work written in wartime, Lili Boulanger seeks to ward off her anxieties. She expresses them with great intensity while humbly bearing witness to her faith and trust. God is portrayed here with the solemnity characteristic of the biblical scenes of the Old Testament.

Editions

© Durand 1921

Notes

Originally composed for tenor and orchestra, this second Psaume by Lili Boulanger is better known in the version for mixed chorus and orchestra made by Nadia Boulanger in 1923.

 

© Anthony Girard