Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

1:59

'Now Christmas has Come, Op. 1/2' is a choral work composed by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It was composed in 1895, and premiered on December 22 of the same year in Helsinki, Finland. The work is written for mixed choir and piano, and consists of three movements. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and joyful setting of the traditional Finnish Christmas carol "Joulupuu on rakennettu." Sibelius's setting features a bright and energetic piano accompaniment, with the choir singing the melody in unison and then in harmony. The movement ends with a triumphant statement of the carol's refrain. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a more reflective setting of the carol "En etsi valtaa, loistoa." The piano accompaniment is more subdued, and the choir sings the melody in a gentle and contemplative manner. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful cadence. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a rousing setting of the carol "Jo joutuu ilta." The piano accompaniment is once again lively and energetic, and the choir sings the melody with great enthusiasm. The movement builds to a thrilling climax, with the choir and piano both reaching a frenzied peak before coming to a sudden and dramatic close. Overall, 'Now Christmas has Come' is a charming and festive work that showcases Sibelius's skill as a choral composer. The work is notable for its use of traditional Finnish carols, which Sibelius weaves into his own unique musical language. The work is also notable for its lively and energetic piano accompaniment, which adds to the festive atmosphere of the piece.

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