Penderecki’s cantata-style tribute to Jerusalem for the 3000th anniversary of the city’s foundation.
For this section of Symphony No. 8, the composer drew on his two earlier works: Psalms of David (one of his earliest mature pieces, 1958) and Stabat Mater (1962). Likes these two, De profundis also applies three four-part choirs and the principles of Renaissance counterpoint. “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord,” are the words we hear directly after the soprano’s confession of the faith and fidelity to the Holy City (in the previous section of Seven Gates). The exclusively vocal music brings a calming down after the dense symphonic sound, and ensures katharsis to the listener.