Composer

:

Henri Sauguet

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1979

Average_duration

:

5:13

'Non morietur in aeternum' is a choral work composed by Henri Sauguet in 1952. The piece was premiered on June 29, 1952, at the Festival of Sacred Music in Avignon, France. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Non morietur in aeternum," is a setting of the Latin text from the Book of Wisdom. The movement begins with a solemn and meditative introduction, featuring a solo soprano voice. The choir then enters, singing in unison, before breaking into four-part harmony. The music is characterized by its rich harmonies and lush textures, which create a sense of awe and reverence. The second movement, "Quoniam si volueritis," is a setting of the Latin text from the Book of Isaiah. This movement is more lively and rhythmic than the first, featuring a driving tempo and syncopated rhythms. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the tenors and basses providing a strong foundation for the soaring melodies of the sopranos and altos. The music is characterized by its energy and vitality, reflecting the joy and exultation of the text. The final movement, "Alleluia," is a setting of the traditional Latin text. This movement is the most celebratory of the three, featuring a bright and joyful tempo and lively rhythms. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the sopranos and altos providing a soaring melody over the strong foundation of the tenors and basses. The music is characterized by its exuberance and jubilation, reflecting the triumphant nature of the text. Overall, 'Non morietur in aeternum' is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Sauguet's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, lush textures, and soaring melodies, which create a sense of awe, reverence, and joy. The work has become a staple of the choral repertoire and continues to be performed and admired by audiences around the world.

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