Noel's Psalm

The first movement, Chaconne, uses the variation form known by the same name to construct a rich and lyrical opening to the sonata. The nature of this chaconne symbolizes the grounded nature of the "host," with the downward motion of the melodic lines symbolizing "Spring Planting." The short second movement, "Scherzo," is based on only four pitches. "Scherzo" means "joke." While the traditional "scherzo" as developed by Beethoven is in triple meter, this "Scherzo" instead alternates meters (thus not making it a true traditional "scherzo"). Still, it is a playful movement that has its own "run of the place" (as Dr. Kinnamon's poem so whimsically describes). The third and longest movement, Aria, weaves and "sings a green and quivering light." It is the soul of the composition. Lyrical throughout, it begins serenely, eventually building to a rich climax with the power of full organ before dissolving into a hushed ending. The fourth movement, Dance, is rhythmical and exuberant throughout, inviting all who hear it "to join the song, to feel the dance." The vibrant concluding measures of Dance recapitulate the opening measures of the first movement, Chaconne, thus ending Noel's Psalm in cyclic fashion.