background
Arnold Schönberg, born in 1874, was one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. He stood at the cradle of the Second Viennese School and is best known for his development of the twelve-tone technique, which challenged traditional tonal music and introduced a new paradigm for composition. His work De Profundis comes from a period when he increasingly focused on religious themes, reflecting his personal search for spirituality and reconciliation with his Jewish identity.
The text of Psalm 130 is a supplication, an appeal to God from the depths of misery and despair. It begins with the words “From the depths I cry to Thee, O Lord,” and continues with an expression of regret, a request for forgiveness, and a hopeful expectation of divine grace.
Schönberg’s setting of the psalm is complex and layered. He uses his characteristic twelve-tone technique, but also integrates elements that bridge the tradition of German church music, in which he grew up.
Arnold Schönberg’s De Profundis was performed by Cappella Amsterdam under conductor Daniel Reuss in concert series Kafka. At the request of Cappella Amsterdam, the concert was filmed by production company MILLK in De Vereeniging, Nijmegen. The audio is recorded by A-A-AUDIO.
lyrics
Shir hamaalot mima’amakim keraticha adonai
Adonai schimah vekoli tiyena oznecha kashuvot
Lekol tachanunai
Im avonot tishmor ya adonai mi yaamod
Ki imcha haslicha
Lemaan tivare kiviti adonai
Kivta nafshi velidvaro hochalti
Nafshi ladonai
Mishomrim laboker
Yachel yisrael el adonai
Ki im adonai hachesed
Veharbeh imo fedut
Vehu yifdeh et yisrael mikol avonotav.
performers
Cappella Amsterdam
Daniel Reuss conductor
