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Psalms for Leo: Choral Works (inc. Oratorios)

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Psalms for Leo Cover Image

Psalms for Leo: Choral Works (inc. Oratorios)

for Children's Choir, SATB Choir, and Orchestra (2014)

By Jonathan Dove

Item: 98-EP72565B

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Description

Commissioned by The Bach Choir in memory of Leopold de Rothschild (1927-2012), a singing member of the Choir for 50 years and Chairman for 23 years. Following his resignation as a singer Leo became the Choir's President, a position he held until his death; over this extraordinary period of devotion to the Choir he became a friend to vast numbers of his fellow singers, and gave unstintingly of his time and wisdom

First performance 10 June 2014 in the Royal Festival Hall, London, by The Bach Choir, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and The Young Singers, a choir formed by The Bach Choir in partnership with the Tri-borough Music Hub, conducted by David Hill.

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Additional Details
Series: Edition Peters
Publisher: Edition Peters
Page Count: 72
ISBN10: 0-57-700821-8
ISBN13: 979-0-5770-0821-9
SKU: 98-EP72565B

More about this title

About the Composer: Jonathan Dove

Jonathan Dove is a British composer whose catalog spans opera, orchestral works, and choral music written for both professional ensembles and community groups. His compositional voice balances accessibility with harmonic sophistication, making his work appealing across skill levels and performance contexts. Dove has written extensively for choirs, from cathedral choirs to amateur singing groups, and his pieces are performed internationally by orchestras and opera companies.

Why we love this

Dove's choral writing here honors a life of devoted service to The Bach Choir while remaining musically substantial and rewarding to sing. The work draws on his gift for writing vocal lines that sit naturally for singers while maintaining genuine musical interest; this is repertoire that deepens singers' connection to their ensemble and audience simultaneously.

What to expect

Dove's setting is reflective and dignified, honoring both Leopold de Rothschild's fifty years as a singing member and his decades of leadership. The writing is lyrical and accessible, built on the conviction that memorial music need not be austere to be profound.

Who it's for

This work suits established choirs with access to orchestral forces and singers comfortable with contemporary harmonic language. It is particularly meaningful for choirs seeking a substantial commemorative or concert work that honors individual contributors and the institution itself.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the relationship between choir and orchestra carefully during full passages; the orchestration supports rather than overwhelms the vocal writing.
  • Pay attention to text clarity, especially in passages with multiple voice parts moving simultaneously; clear diction ensures the commemorative nature of the work comes through.
  • Take time to explore the harmonic language in rehearsal; Dove's chords reward singers who understand where each voice sits within the larger sonority.

How to use it

This work functions powerfully as a gala concert centerpiece or as part of an anniversary or commemorative concert. Its 72-page scope and orchestral requirements position it as a major programming statement rather than an opening number, and it pairs well with other substantial choral works in a season focused on institutional history or community.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing contemporary harmonic language with secure intonation
  • Balancing four-part choral writing within orchestral texture
  • Text projection and diction in memorial and formal contexts
  • Sustaining long-lined choral phrases with proper breath management

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