Composer

:

Robert Prizeman

Average_duration

:

6:24

Lux Aeterna is a choral composition by British composer Robert Prizeman. It was composed in 1997 and premiered in the same year by the choir Libera, which Prizeman founded in 1995. The piece consists of six movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, "Introit," begins with a solo soprano voice singing a simple melody, which is then joined by the rest of the choir. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in harmony and the soprano voice soaring above them. The second movement, "Kyrie," is a setting of the traditional Latin text of the same name. The music is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing in unison and the harmonies shifting subtly. The third movement, "Sanctus," is another setting of a traditional Latin text. The music is more upbeat and energetic than the previous movement, with the choir singing in harmony and the rhythms becoming more complex. The fourth movement, "Agnus Dei," is a setting of the traditional text of the same name. The music is slow and mournful, with the choir singing in unison and the harmonies shifting subtly. The fifth movement, "Lux Aeterna," is the centerpiece of the piece. The music is slow and ethereal, with the choir singing in harmony and the soprano voice once again soaring above them. The text is a combination of Latin and English, with the choir singing phrases such as "Light eternal, shine upon them" and "May they rest in peace." The final movement, "In Paradisum," is a setting of the traditional Latin text of the same name. The music is slow and peaceful, with the choir singing in harmony and the soprano voice once again soaring above them. The piece ends with a final chord that fades away into silence. Overall, Lux Aeterna is a beautiful and moving choral composition that showcases Prizeman's skill as a composer and arranger. The music is both simple and complex, with the harmonies and rhythms shifting subtly throughout the piece. The use of traditional Latin texts adds to the timeless quality of the music, while the inclusion of English phrases makes it accessible to a wider audience.

More....