Psalm 71 for prepared piano, clarinet, 2 violins, and cello

Psalm 71 was originally composed for 4 Kayageums (a traditional Korean zither-like string instrument, with 12 strings) and string trio in 2002. The work was commissioned from the Lee Myung Hee Kayageum Quartet and premiered by the ensemble in the Umyun Hall at the Seoul Arts Center in 2002. In 2003, Psalm 71 was arranged for 4 guitars and string trio upon request of the Jerusalem Kaprizma Ensemble, and the ensemble performed it, under the baton of composer, in the Einav Culture Center in Tel Aviv and the Targ Music Center in Jerusalem. In 2015, the piece was again arranged for prepared piano, clarinet, two violins and cello for the Toronto Messiaen Ensemble’s “Psalm” project. On piano, two different types of sonorities were created by using both pencil cap erasers and paper clips.

(Psalm 71)

¹ In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

² Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

⁷ I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.

⁸ Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.

²⁰ Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

²¹ Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

²² I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

²³ My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

²⁴ My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

KJV                                          

(Out of Psalm 71)