Composer

:

Pablo Casals

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:38

"Nigra Sum" is a choral work composed by Pablo Casals in 1914. The piece is based on a text from the Song of Solomon in the Bible, which reads "I am black but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." The work is written for four-part choir, with a piano accompaniment. The piece premiered in 1915 in Barcelona, Spain, with Casals conducting. It quickly became one of his most popular works, and has since been performed by choirs around the world. "Nigra Sum" is divided into three movements. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing the text in unison. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the choir singing in harmony. The third movement returns to the slower tempo of the first, with the choir singing the text in a more complex and intricate arrangement. The piece is characterized by its use of simple, yet powerful harmonies and rhythms. Casals was known for his ability to create music that was both emotionally powerful and technically sophisticated, and "Nigra Sum" is no exception. The piece is also notable for its use of the text from the Song of Solomon, which was a departure from the more traditional religious texts that were commonly used in choral music at the time. Overall, "Nigra Sum" is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Casals' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the heart and soul. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and emotional power.

More....