Pseaume 43

Psalm 43 is one of three Psalm settings (the others are Psalm 2 and Psalm 22) and was completed on January 3, 1844. Composed for the cathedral choir of Berlin, it shows the influence of his recent visit to Italy and study of the earlier Italian polyphonic masters. Venetian in style, with its contrasting vocal colors and conservative counterpoint, it nonetheless shows its time of composition by the varied and interesting harmonic choices.