Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

3:14

Francis Poulenc's 'O magnum mysterium, FP 152/1' is a choral work that was composed in 1952. It was premiered on December 24, 1952, at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité in Paris, France. The piece is part of a larger work called 'Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël' (Four Christmas Motets), which was composed by Poulenc in 1952. The piece is written for four-part mixed choir, and it is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked 'Très lent' (very slow) and is in a minor key. It begins with a unison chant-like melody in the tenor and bass voices, which is then taken up by the soprano and alto voices. The melody is simple and haunting, and it is repeated several times throughout the movement. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromaticism adding a touch of color. The second movement is marked 'Vif' (lively) and is in a major key. It begins with a joyful, dance-like melody in the soprano and alto voices, which is then taken up by the tenor and bass voices. The melody is lively and rhythmic, with syncopated rhythms and playful accents. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromaticism adding a touch of color. The third movement is marked 'Modéré' (moderate) and is in a minor key. It begins with a mournful melody in the soprano and alto voices, which is then taken up by the tenor and bass voices. The melody is simple and plaintive, with a sense of longing and sadness. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromaticism adding a touch of color. Overall, 'O magnum mysterium, FP 152/1' is a beautiful and moving choral work that captures the mystery and wonder of the Christmas story. Poulenc's use of simple melodies and harmonies, combined with occasional chromaticism, creates a sense of both simplicity and complexity that is both haunting and joyful. The piece is a testament to Poulenc's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a text through music.

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