Psalm 90 is a musical work by the American composer Charles Ives for choir, organ and bells.
Beginning in unison, as a collective address from mankind to God, the chorus sings the first three words, but then splits apart into a series of cacophonous chords, as in the first verse (a device used frequently in this piece), to align with the text, "to destruction", which is repeated thrice (another thematic gesture), and accompanies the seeming destruction of harmonic convention.
All four parts of the chorus sing entirely in unison for this whole verse, with the organ providing some supporting chords beneath along with the C pedal.
This short verse expresses man's submission, the consequent desire for peace with one's mortality, and a petition for God's help and guidance through the struggles of life (Spurgeon 1885).
The new tone assists in declaiming the text, as the psalm itself asks for satisfaction, peace, and due happiness as God sees fit to bestow.