Composer

:

Joonas Kokkonen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Requiem

Average_duration

:

5:01

Lux Aeterna is a choral work composed by Joonas Kokkonen in 1963. The piece was premiered on December 8, 1963, by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, conducted by Paavo Berglund. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "Introitus," begins with a solemn and mysterious introduction by the orchestra. The choir enters with a chant-like melody, which gradually builds in intensity and complexity. The movement reaches a climax with a powerful choral statement of the text "Lux Aeterna" (Eternal Light). The second movement, "Dies Irae," is a dramatic and intense setting of the Latin text from the Requiem Mass. The choir sings with great passion and urgency, accompanied by driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies. The movement reaches a climax with a powerful choral statement of the text "Dies Irae" (Day of Wrath). The final movement, "Requiem," is a peaceful and contemplative setting of the text "Requiem aeternam dona eis" (Grant them eternal rest). The choir sings with a gentle and serene tone, accompanied by a simple and beautiful melody in the orchestra. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful resolution, as the choir sings the final words "et lux perpetua luceat eis" (and may perpetual light shine upon them). Overall, Lux Aeterna is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Kokkonen's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and dramatic contrasts between the different movements. The work has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is widely regarded as one of Kokkonen's most important compositions.

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