Composer

:

Johann Joseph Fux

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1716

Average_duration

:

133:21

Il Fonte della salute, aperto dalla grazia nel calvario is a sacred oratorio composed by Johann Joseph Fux. It was composed in 1726 and premiered in Vienna on Good Friday of the same year. The oratorio consists of six movements and is written for soloists, choir, and orchestra. The first movement, "Sinfonia," is an instrumental introduction that sets the tone for the oratorio. It begins with a slow and solemn introduction, followed by a lively and joyful section that represents the opening of the fountain of health. The second movement, "Coro," is a choral piece that praises the fountain of health and the grace that opened it. The choir sings in a homophonic style, with all voices singing the same melody at the same time. The music is joyful and celebratory, reflecting the theme of the text. The third movement, "Aria," is a solo piece for alto that reflects on the suffering of Christ on the cross. The music is slow and mournful, with long, flowing melodic lines that express the sorrow and pain of the text. The fourth movement, "Recitativo," is a solo recitative for bass that describes the opening of the fountain of health and the salvation it brings. The music is declamatory and expressive, with the bass soloist singing in a conversational style. The fifth movement, "Aria," is a solo piece for soprano that praises the fountain of health and the grace that opened it. The music is joyful and lively, with fast, virtuosic vocal lines that express the exuberance of the text. The final movement, "Coro," is a choral piece that brings the oratorio to a close. The choir sings in a homophonic style, with all voices singing the same melody at the same time. The music is joyful and celebratory, reflecting the theme of the text. Overall, Il Fonte della salute, aperto dalla grazia nel calvario is a beautiful and expressive oratorio that reflects Fux's mastery of Baroque music. The music is characterized by its use of counterpoint, expressive melodies, and rich harmonies, and it is a testament to Fux's skill as a composer.

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