Composer

:

Gioachino Rossini

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1844

Average_duration

:

5:05

La charité (Trois choeurs religieux) is a choral work composed by Gioachino Rossini in 1832. It was premiered on March 4, 1832, at the Salle Ventadour in Paris, France. The work consists of three movements, each of which is a choral setting of a religious text. The first movement, "O salutaris hostia," is a setting of a hymn text traditionally attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas. The music is characterized by its simple, hymn-like melody and harmonies, which are typical of Rossini's style. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies and brief solos. The second movement, "Tantum ergo," is a setting of another hymn text traditionally attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas. This movement is more complex than the first, with more intricate harmonies and a more varied texture. The choir sings in four parts, with occasional solos and duets. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective ending. The third movement, "Domine, salvum fac regem," is a setting of a prayer for the king. This movement is more grandiose than the previous two, with a larger choir and more elaborate harmonies. The music is characterized by its majestic opening, which features a fanfare-like motif in the brass and percussion. The choir sings in four parts, with occasional solos and duets. The music builds to a triumphant climax before ending with a quiet, prayerful coda. Overall, La charité (Trois choeurs religieux) is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Rossini's skill as a composer of choral music. The three movements are each distinct in character and style, but they are united by their religious themes and Rossini's signature style. The work remains a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike, and it is a testament to Rossini's enduring legacy as a composer.

More....