Beckschaefer, Max: Tu pauperum refugium

This new four-part setting for unaccompanied SATB choir is very gentle capturing perfectly the meaning of the words. A sense of despair and pleading to Jesus for salvation before the people reach the final sleep. A sense of stillness is created at the opening with the long notes held in the Tenors and Basses, while the Sopranos and Altos have a gentle two-part lullaby with some syncopated moments, representing the unrest they feel. The two-part textures continue as the music grows more restless with the Sopranos and Tenors singing together against the Altos and Basses until the cry of Veritas, this section repeats the same sort of texture ending in Veritas. The basses have one last turn of phrase before all parts gradually and gently settle on a radiant E major ending. Indicating that from the dark A minor beginning the people’s plea has been answered and they have been helped.