Writing Music Based Off a Psalm Every Day - Psalm 11

Welcome to the series where I write a piece of music based off of a Psalm every day until I make it through all 150 Psalms. Today is Psalm 11. -------------- For this psalm I decided to write a hymn because reading the psalm evoked a hymnlike attitude in me. For the melody of this hymn I created something that is loosely based off of an inversion of the God theme. The hymn is split into three stanzas, which, without lyrics, is just three varying repetitions of the melody and harmony. Its first presentation is in the strings at a mezzo piano dynamic. The next time around the woodwinds join in, the middle strings play a more active rhythm, and everyone is playing at a mezzo forte. The third stanza features the whole orchestra, with the horns, timpani, and cymbals joining in. This stanza is also at a forte, serving as the climax of the piece. The piece then ends with a piano tag played by the strings, which is the last two lines of the hymn played again. This entire hymn is supposed to evoke the comfort of taking refuge in the Lord, and His glory as he dwells in his temple. It begins with a more personal tone, with its quiet dynamics and string orchestration, but it becomes grander as the piece grows louder and more instruments join in. It shifts from a focus on us taking refuge in the Lord to a focus on God’s grandeur and righteousness. It shows the power that God has that allows us to safely take refuge in him. -------------- Made in Muscore 4