Composer

:

Valentin Silvestrov

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1973

Average_duration

:

12:35

Valentin Silvestrov's Cantata on poetry of Tjoetchev and Blok is a choral work that was composed in 1975. The piece was premiered in Kiev, Ukraine, on December 18, 1975, by the Kiev Chamber Choir under the direction of Mykola Hobdych. The Cantata consists of three movements, each of which sets a poem by either Fyodor Tjoetchev or Alexander Blok. The first movement, "Silentium," sets Tjoetchev's poem of the same name. The music is slow and meditative, with the choir singing in a hushed, almost whispered tone. The harmonies are rich and complex, with dissonances that create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement, "The Stranger," sets Blok's poem of the same name. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with the choir singing in a more declamatory style. The harmonies are still complex, but there is a sense of forward motion and momentum that propels the music forward. The final movement, "The Night," sets Blok's poem of the same name. The music is slow and mournful, with the choir singing in a plaintive, almost mournful tone. The harmonies are again complex, with dissonances that create a sense of sadness and longing. Overall, the Cantata on poetry of Tjoetchev and Blok is a hauntingly beautiful work that showcases Silvestrov's mastery of choral writing. The music is rich and complex, with harmonies that are both beautiful and unsettling. The choir's singing is sensitive and nuanced, bringing out the emotional depth of the poetry.

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