Composer

:

Sofia Gubaidulina

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Passion

Compose Date

:

2001

Average_duration

:

47:58

Johannes-Ostern is a composition by the Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina. It was composed in 1982 and premiered on April 24, 1983, in Hamburg, Germany. The piece is written for a mixed choir, a solo cello, and percussion. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the Easter story. The first movement, titled "The Resurrection," is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The choir sings a text that describes the joy and wonder of the resurrection, while the cello and percussion provide a rhythmic and harmonic foundation. The second movement, titled "The Passion," is a meditation on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The choir sings a text that describes the pain and sorrow of the crucifixion, while the cello and percussion provide a mournful and dissonant accompaniment. The third movement, titled "The Ascension," is a reflection on the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The choir sings a text that describes the awe and wonder of the ascension, while the cello and percussion provide a soaring and ethereal accompaniment. One of the characteristics of Johannes-Ostern is its use of extended vocal techniques. The choir is called upon to produce a wide range of sounds, including whispers, shouts, and glissandos. This creates a sense of otherworldliness and mystery that is appropriate for the Easter story. Another characteristic of the composition is its use of percussion. Gubaidulina employs a wide variety of percussion instruments, including maracas, tambourines, and cymbals. This creates a sense of rhythmic complexity and energy that is appropriate for the celebratory aspects of the Easter story. Overall, Johannes-Ostern is a powerful and evocative composition that captures the essence of the Easter story. Its use of extended vocal techniques and percussion creates a sense of otherworldliness and energy that is appropriate for the themes of resurrection, passion, and ascension.

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