David Chesky - Three Psalms for String Orchestra (Stephen Somary)

Information

Composer: David Chesky

1. Psalm No. 1 for String Orchestra
2. Psalm No. 2 for String Orchestra
3. Psalm No. 3 for String Orchestra

Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg

Stephen Somary, conductor

Date: 1997 / 2025

Label: The Audiophile Society

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These three psalm-inspired works by Chesky are meditative, emotionally restrained, and deeply expressive, drawing stylistic echoes from Górecki, Schoenberg, and Barber while maintaining a distinct and original tonal voice. Psalm No. 1 for solo violin is introspective and sorrowful, achieving haunting intensity through subtlety. Psalm No. 2 features solo cello, whose rugged, prayerful lines are seamlessly integrated into the orchestral texture. Psalm No. 3, written for string orchestra alone, completes the trilogy with serene composure and luminous tranquility. Composed in 1996–1997, the works demonstrate that twentieth-century music can remain accessible, beautiful, and emotionally resonant while honoring its musical heritage.

David Chesky (born 1956) is an American composer, pianist, producer, and co-founder of Chesky Records, widely recognized for bridging classical, jazz, and audio technology. Trained in New York with David Del Tredici and John Lewis, he developed a genre-blending voice reflected in big band, jazz, orchestral, operatic, and ballet works. His “Urban Orchestral” style merges classical techniques with contemporary urban sounds, producing works such as Urbanicity, String Theory, and Rap Symphony. A Grammy nominee and innovator in high-resolution recording, Chesky is also committed to music education through children’s operas, ballets, books, and recordings, while remaining a leading figure in audiophile technology and production.

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