Composer

:

Michael Haydn

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1780

Average_duration

:

04:02

Michael Haydn's 'Tenebrae factae sunt in E flat major, MH 162 (KL 5:8c)' is a sacred choral work composed in 1771. The piece was premiered in Salzburg, Austria, during Holy Week of the same year. It is a three-movement composition, with each movement featuring a different text from the Tenebrae service. The first movement, 'Tenebrae factae sunt', is a setting of the Latin text from the Gospel of Matthew describing the darkness that fell upon the earth during the crucifixion of Jesus. The music is somber and mournful, with the choir singing in unison and the orchestra providing a dark and brooding accompaniment. The movement ends with a powerful chord that emphasizes the darkness and despair of the moment. The second movement, 'Tradiderunt me', is a setting of the Latin text from the Book of Psalms describing the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The music is more agitated and restless than the first movement, with the choir singing in a more complex and dissonant harmony. The orchestra provides a driving and rhythmic accompaniment, emphasizing the tension and drama of the text. The final movement, 'Velum templi', is a setting of the Latin text from the Gospel of Matthew describing the tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of Jesus' death. The music is more hopeful and uplifting than the previous movements, with the choir singing in a more joyful and triumphant harmony. The orchestra provides a bright and celebratory accompaniment, emphasizing the victory of Jesus over death. Overall, 'Tenebrae factae sunt in E flat major, MH 162 (KL 5:8c)' is a powerful and emotional work that captures the drama and intensity of the Tenebrae service. Michael Haydn's use of complex harmonies and rich orchestration creates a sense of depth and complexity that reflects the spiritual significance of the text. The piece remains a popular choice for Holy Week services and concerts to this day.

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