psalms

Jung Jae Il’s intensely personal new album translates his love of biblical psalm into music, acting as a spiritual salve for our turbulent times. Revisiting the rich string textures of his acclaimed Parasite and Squid Game soundtracks, the composer adds massed choir, a cappella vocal effects, and solo vocals, plus judiciously employed electronics. Overtones of Bach and Handel resonate through “memorare,” named after a prayer to the Virgin Mary. In dynamic contrast, the staccato synth-percussive effects heard in “his days are like a passing shadow II” strike a more experimental note. Throughout, Jung Jae Il conjures a compelling sense of mood, alternately despairing, hopeful, and apprehensive.