De Profundis

Inspired by his life-long interest in chant and choral music, Paul Mealor’s De profundis pushes the boundaries of the human voice in a style synonymous with Russian orthodox music.

In spring 2012 this piece sparked the 'Bass Hunter' competition - a world-wide talent search for the lowest human voice in existence. The note, an ‘E’ (329 Hertz), is six notes below the lowest note ever written for a choral piece (from Rachmanivov’s “Vespers” a B flat), and a whole tone lower than the Guinness World Record-holder - a sung ‘F sharp’. The piece has since been recorded featuring the winner of the competition, Tim Storms (Decca 3709935).