About the creation

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord is a song cycle for soprano and piano or chamber orchestra. There are five movements, each of which consists of a psalm of different mood and character. The words of the Psalms have been my inspiration throughout.

1. "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord" (Psalm 30) - The mood here is one despair, yet a feeling of hope and confidence in God's works.

2. "In my distress, I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me" (Psalm 120) - Once again the character of the Psalm is one of despair. Here the poet is being surrounded by the enemy, who speak only of war and not peace. He however is confident that they will be punished by God for their evil ways. This poet is immediately followed by "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" (Psalm 23), Wherein the speaker is confident in God›s strength which will enable him to overcome his enemy, even in the midst of great danger.

3. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills" (Psalm 121) - The poet feels security in God's ways and knows that he will never be abandoned, and will be guarded throughout his days against all evil. The opening and closing French horn motive gives one the feeling of quiet reverence for God, and the confidence that He instills.

4. "Halleluyah" (Psalm 112) - Here the speaker praises the Lord, and declares that the righteous man and his seed shall be blessed, and their deeds remembered long after they are gone. The wicked shall be witness thereof, and their jealousy shall fade away.

5. "Sing unto the Lord a new song" (Psalm 98) - Various motives from different sections of the cycle are used in this movement to give a feeling of unity and coherence. This movement, translated into musical terms passes from despair (motive of first movement), to hope, to the final celebration of the highest praise for God›s works, and the complete and utter confidence in His power and strength. This is the "new song" we sing unto the Lord.

The piece was commissioned by Alan Septimus, who resides in New York, USA. His understanding, empathy, and generosity have been the catalyst for the creation of this work. It is with the utmost sincerity, and deepest gratitude that I dedicate this work to him.

The world premier was performed by the Israel Sinfonietta Beer-Sheva in their 2009-2010 season under the baton of Doron Salomon.