Organ, 6’40” total duration
Mvmt I, Dance Atelier: 2’25”
Mvmt II, Sanctuary: 4’15”

Though modern scholars continue to debate the authorship of the Psalms, about half of them can be attributed to David, who himself experienced many trials and hardships in his life. From being pursued by his enemies, to familial betrayal, the psalms reflect the difficult circumstances, and sometimes express feelings of despair and anguish. Others express joy and comfort, as he recognises divine care and provision in difficult times.

Two Malay dance styles are referenced in the first movement, Dance Atelier – the first, Zapin, in  time with a melody passing between the different voices; the second, Joget, featuring an interlocking  and  pattern.

In the second movement, Sanctuary, the folk-esque tune of “Singapura” (attributed to a person named van Moring, though there appears to be limited bibliographical information about who he is) is set contrapuntally against an original melody, decorated with chromatic harmonies and modal mixtures.