Composer

:

Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Overture: Concert

Compose Date

:

1919

Average_duration

:

19:06

Sursum Corda, Op. 13 is a choral work composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold in 1921. The piece was premiered on January 23, 1922, in Vienna, Austria, conducted by Franz Schalk. The work consists of three movements and is approximately 20 minutes in length. The first movement, "Sursum Corda," is a setting of the Latin text from the Catholic Mass. The movement begins with a solemn and majestic choral introduction, followed by a solo soprano singing the opening lines of the text. The choir then joins in, singing in unison and gradually building to a powerful climax. The movement ends with a quiet and reflective section, with the choir singing softly and the solo soprano returning to sing the final lines of the text. The second movement, "Veni Creator Spiritus," is a setting of the Latin hymn of the same name. The movement begins with a gentle and flowing choral introduction, followed by a solo tenor singing the opening lines of the text. The choir then joins in, singing in harmony and building to a joyful and exuberant climax. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful section, with the choir singing softly and the solo tenor returning to sing the final lines of the text. The third movement, "Gloria Patri," is a setting of the Latin doxology. The movement begins with a lively and energetic choral introduction, followed by a solo bass singing the opening lines of the text. The choir then joins in, singing in harmony and building to a triumphant and majestic climax. The movement ends with a quiet and reverent section, with the choir singing softly and the solo bass returning to sing the final lines of the text. Overall, Sursum Corda, Op. 13 is a powerful and expressive choral work that showcases Korngold's skill as a composer. The piece features lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and a wide range of dynamics and textures. The work is notable for its use of traditional Latin texts, which give the piece a timeless and universal quality.

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