Composer

:

James MacMillan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

2:46

'Factus est repente' is a choral work composed by James MacMillan in 1996. It was premiered on 23 November 1996 by the BBC Singers at St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, London. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately 12 minutes in length. The first movement begins with a unison chant-like melody sung by the choir. The music gradually builds in intensity as the choir adds more voices and harmonies. The text is taken from the Book of Acts and describes the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles at Pentecost. The music reflects the sudden and dramatic nature of this event, with sudden shifts in dynamics and rhythm. The second movement is a setting of the Latin hymn 'Veni Creator Spiritus'. The music is more contemplative and introspective than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The choir sings the hymn in unison at first, but then breaks into four-part harmony. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and peaceful ending. The final movement is a setting of the text 'Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto'. The music is joyful and celebratory, with a fast tempo and lively rhythms. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with frequent changes in texture and dynamics. The music builds to a triumphant conclusion, with the choir singing the final 'Amen' in unison. Overall, 'Factus est repente' is a powerful and expressive work that showcases MacMillan's skill as a composer of choral music. The piece is characterized by its use of sudden shifts in dynamics and rhythm, complex harmonies, and a wide range of vocal textures. The music is deeply spiritual and reflects the themes of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit.

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