Mendelssohn Psalm Series (Part 4): Psalm 98 — Joy and Praise
Felix Mendelssohn’s Psalm 98 stands at the brightest point of this Psalm series.
After the longing of Psalm 42, the restrained confidence of Psalm 115, and the dramatic power of Psalm 114, this final work overflows with joy.
Set to the German text “Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied” (“Sing to the Lord a new song”), the piece opens with energy and confidence.
“O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” (Psalm 98:1)
At its core, Christianity is a religion of salvation. Those who experience it respond naturally with praise, and music becomes an expression rather than decoration.
In Psalm 98, this unfolds as a grand festival of praise, where joy is no longer contained within the individual but shared and expanded outward.
1. Joy That Cannot Stay Quiet
From the opening bars, the music moves forward with brightness and momentum. The choir sings with clarity and strength, and the rhythm carries a sense of celebration already in motion.
This is not private reflection, but public joy.
2. Voices Answering One Another
One of the most striking features is the use of double choir. Different vocal groups answer and echo one another, creating a sense of movement and shared expression.
Even in fuller passages, Mendelssohn preserves clarity and lightness in the texture.
3. A Broad and Triumphant Ending
As the piece moves toward its finale, the music expands from simple joy into firm conviction. Choir and orchestra support one another, building toward an ending that feels open, radiant, and triumphant.
Listening to Psalm 98, we are reminded that praise is not confined to emotion or moment—it becomes a shared act that extends beyond the self. In this, Mendelssohn captures one of the clearest expressions of faith in sound.
A brief note: Felix Mendelssohn came from a Jewish family but was raised in the Christian tradition.
Listen here to the full MP3 collection of Psalms 42, 98, 114, and 115. (affiliate link)
Previously: [Mendelssohn Psalm Series (Part 3): Psalm 114 — Power and Deliverance]
