Die mit Schiffen auf dem Meer (Psalm 107)

Based on the extensive Psalm 107, Die mit Schiffen auf dem Meer thrillingly describes a storm at sea, during which God saves the sailors in distress and guides them safely back to land. The musical realization of the tumultuous ocean is framed by hymns of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. Regarding his compositional process, Christoph Schönherr says: “I was particularly attracted by the idea of translating the different facets of the sea into music. It can calm us down, convey a sense of freedom through its vastness, or indeed actually offer a route to freedom. For others, of course, it is the bringer of death."The psalm setting skillfully interweaves sacred music traditions with the fascinating sonic possibilities of big band instrumentation, including its confident use of sassy 12/8 grooves and Latin rhythms.With its identical instrumental scoring, the work is the perfect match for the Missa ad maiorem Dei gloriam by Wolfram Buchenberg (Carus 28.010).