Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1969

First Performance

:

Mar 19, 1971

Average_duration

:

6:13

'Praktisch Deutsch' is a composition for mixed choir and piano by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. It was composed in 1973 and premiered in Helsinki, Finland on May 17, 1974, by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir conducted by Eric-Olof Söderström. The piece consists of four movements, each of which sets a German text by different poets. The first movement, "Der Abend" (The Evening), is a serene and contemplative setting of a poem by Friedrich Hölderlin. The second movement, "Die Nacht" (The Night), is a more dramatic and intense setting of a poem by Georg Trakl. The third movement, "Der Morgen" (The Morning), is a lively and energetic setting of a poem by Christian Morgenstern. The final movement, "Der Tag" (The Day), is a celebratory and joyful setting of a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. Rautavaara's setting of the German texts is characterized by his use of rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate rhythms. The piano accompaniment is also an integral part of the composition, providing a colorful and dynamic backdrop to the choir's singing. Overall, 'Praktisch Deutsch' is a masterful example of Rautavaara's skill in setting text to music, and it showcases his ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions through his use of harmony, melody, and rhythm.

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