The Lord Reigns

Sometimes composers select one particular psalm verse and musically express the one single mood or affect it contains. Much more ambitious is the composer who chooses to set an entire psalm and to present, in grand epic fashion, a variety of images and ideas. This is what Alexander Nikolsky (1874-1943), another rarely sung Moscow composer of the early 20th century, admirably succeeds in doing in his setting of Psalm 96 [97], “The Lord Reigns.” From majestic unisons to massive bell-ringing effects, this work employs a very diverse range of choral textures, colors, tempos, and dynamics to express the majesty of God's glory. Nikolsky was a contemporary of Kastalsky, Chesnokov, Rachmaninoff, and Kalinnikov-a brilliant master of the choral art. This work is one of the most magnificent and majestic psalm settings in all of Russian choral literature, using rich and varied choral colors and “choral orchestration” to maximum effect. A challenging and rewarding piece for an accomplished choir.