Composer

:

Ola Gjeilo

Compose Date

:

2010

Average_duration

:

13:31

Dark Night of the Soul is a choral work composed by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo. The piece was composed in 2010 and premiered in the same year by the Phoenix Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy. The work is divided into five movements and is based on the poem of the same name by 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet St. John of the Cross. The first movement, "Dark Night," begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody sung by the choir. The music is slow and contemplative, reflecting the mood of the poem, which describes the soul's journey through darkness and despair. The second movement, "The End of the Night," is more upbeat and hopeful, with a lively rhythm and soaring melodies that suggest the soul's emergence from the darkness. The third movement, "Canticle," is a setting of a poem by St. Francis of Assisi. The music is gentle and peaceful, with a simple melody that is repeated and developed throughout the movement. The fourth movement, "Sanctus," is a setting of the Latin text from the Catholic Mass. The music is grand and majestic, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies that reflect the awe and reverence of the text. The final movement, "Luminous Night of the Soul," is a return to the theme of the first movement. The music is slow and contemplative, with a sense of quiet introspection that suggests the soul's continued journey towards enlightenment. The piece ends with a gentle, peaceful resolution, as the choir sings the final words of the poem: "In this dark night, guided by love alone, I went forth without being seen, my house being now at rest." Overall, Dark Night of the Soul is a deeply spiritual and introspective work that reflects the themes of the poem by St. John of the Cross. The music is rich and complex, with lush harmonies and soaring melodies that evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The piece is a testament to Gjeilo's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful.

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