Composer

:

Cindy Cox

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

23:47

Columba aspexit (after Hildegard von Bingen) is a contemporary choral work composed by Cindy Cox. The piece was composed in 2009 and premiered on April 17, 2010, by the San Francisco Choral Artists. The work is based on a chant by the medieval composer and mystic Hildegard von Bingen, which is believed to have been written in the 12th century. Columba aspexit is a three-movement work that features a mixed choir and solo soprano. The first movement, "Columba aspexit," is a setting of Hildegard's original chant. The choir sings the melody in unison, while the soprano soloist provides a counterpoint. The movement is characterized by its haunting, ethereal quality, which is achieved through the use of dissonant harmonies and a slow, flowing tempo. The second movement, "O viridissima virga," is a setting of a text by Hildegard that celebrates the Virgin Mary. The movement begins with a solo soprano singing a melismatic line that is then taken up by the choir. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic complexity, with the choir and soloist often singing in different meters simultaneously. The final movement, "O ignis spiritus," is a setting of another text by Hildegard that celebrates the Holy Spirit. The movement begins with a solo soprano singing a soaring melody that is then taken up by the choir. The movement is characterized by its driving rhythm and energetic, joyful character. Overall, Columba aspexit is a powerful and evocative work that pays homage to the medieval mystic Hildegard von Bingen while also showcasing Cindy Cox's unique compositional style. The work's use of dissonant harmonies, complex rhythms, and soaring melodies creates a sense of otherworldly beauty that is both haunting and uplifting.

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