Fantasie 'Psalm 42' - John Propitius

Fantasie 'Psalm 42' composed by John Propitius
Published by Jan Zwart Uitgeverij
Recorded Live via Hauptwerk on St.Laurenkerk-Rotterdam sampleset from Sonus Paradisi
2020.01.20
I found this work a couple months and it was immediately a favorite for its magnificent inspiration and setting of Psalm 42:1-5. It uses the familiar and favorite hymn tune Psalm42 (composed 1551(!), commonly sung as the Advent hymn, “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” [Isaiah 40:1-5]) in four verse expressions [Chorale - Trio - March - Toccata] and a breathtaking finale chorale - I would say the Finale Chorale is one of the more awe-inspiring music passages you might ever hear, and certainly gives the King of Instruments its name.
I know this is a long work for a passing visit but worth a full listen sometime, I think. Roughly the final half focuses on the fifth verse and chorale. Here are video times for each verse:
0’ 20” - Verse 1, “As the deer pants for streams of water”
2’ 05” - Verse 2, “My soul thirsts for the living God”
4’ 40” - Verse 4, “These things I remember as I pour out my soul”
7’ 15” (Interlude) - Verse 5, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
7’ 55” - Verse 5, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him”
10’ 40” - Finale Chorale
I hope everyone feels the same sense of hope and comfort and joy as I have from this inspired work, and give all glory and thanks to God!
Psalm 42:1-5
1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
[*3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”]
4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
*The composer cites Verse 3 in his work; my sentiment goes to Verse 4 for the tone and context between the psalm text and music.

[@giovannitestore1845]

Bravissimooooooooooo Complimenti 👏👏👏

[@dmitryuljev]

Hi Don. Your interpretation of John Propitius's Fantasie 'Psalm 42' on St.Laurenkerk-Rotterdam sample set is very nicely and precisely done. Thanks, thanks a lot for sharing it! May I ask you why you chose St.Laurenkerk sample set?

[@dpapenbrock]

Hello, thanks for the note and for listening! There were a few factors involved in the choice, which honestly did involve familiarity with the instrument, or the church. Firstly, I'd note that bought this back in 2013, when it was fairly new and back then fewer available instruments. And I knew I wanted a 4-manual instrument (because I had never played on) which limited choices even further. And I specifically wanted an instrument with en chamade or festival reeds. But I was so impressed with the demos that Juri and SonusParadisi provided, it immediate became my target. I listened again and again for hours back late-2012 until I was able to get my equipment. Today I have several instruments (Caen, St. Willis, Rouen composite, et al), but this organ is really the only one I play. I feel like I'm so familiar with it that any repertoire sounds absolutely -- and I think the variety of some of the videos on channel highlights this, but there is so much music I haven't recorded. Sure, some players would prefer more strings, or couplers, etc. But to day I'm excited every time I play -- it's not too much exaggeration to say it's best choice I've ever made! I hope to soon have more videos and, I think, interesting and exciting repertoire. I am not a world-class player -- but I love organ music and sharing as best I'm able. I hope you'll listen more and stay tuned for even more music. And I welcome your feedback- Don

[@dmitryuljev]

@@dpapenbrock Hi Don. Thanks back for your feedback! In my opinion, Improvisatie Psalm 42 on St. Laurenskerkorgel is a chance. Your choice was not obvious for me, because I find St. Laurenskerkorgel anything but romantic. I am very impressed with you result! I enjoy your crystal clear version of John Propitius's Improvisatie Psalm 42. Did some other Dutch organs impress you as well? Kind regards /Dmitry