Composer

:

Dan Locklair

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1993

Average_duration

:

5:55

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Dan Locklair's 'Christmas Motets (3)' is a choral work that was composed in 2002. The piece was premiered on December 8, 2002, by the Choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, under the direction of John Cummins. The work consists of three movements, each of which is based on a traditional Christmas text. The first movement, 'O magnum mysterium,' is a setting of the Latin text that tells the story of the birth of Jesus. The music is characterized by a sense of wonder and awe, with soaring melodies and lush harmonies that evoke the mystery and beauty of the Christmas story. The choir sings in unison at the beginning of the piece, gradually building to a rich and complex texture as the music unfolds. The second movement, 'In dulci jubilo,' is a lively and joyful setting of the traditional German carol. The music is characterized by a lively rhythm and a sense of celebration, with the choir singing in harmony and counterpoint. The piece features a number of playful musical gestures, including syncopated rhythms and unexpected harmonic shifts, that add to the festive mood of the music. The final movement, 'Ding Dong! Merrily on High,' is a setting of the traditional English carol. The music is characterized by a bright and energetic tempo, with the choir singing in harmony and counterpoint. The piece features a number of lively musical gestures, including rapid-fire melodic runs and playful rhythmic accents, that capture the joyful spirit of the Christmas season. Overall, Dan Locklair's 'Christmas Motets (3)' is a beautiful and engaging choral work that captures the wonder, joy, and celebration of the Christmas season. With its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and playful musical gestures, the piece is sure to delight audiences and performers alike.

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