Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2002

Average_duration

:

5:16

'Peace Upon You, Jerusalem' is a choral work composed by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The piece was composed in 2007 and premiered on September 9, 2007, at the Jerusalem Theater in Israel. The work is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 12 minutes. The first movement, titled "Peace Upon You, Jerusalem," is a setting of a text from the Book of Psalms. The music is characterized by a slow, meditative pace and a simple, chant-like melody. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies and subtle shifts in texture. The overall effect is one of calm and contemplation, reflecting the peaceful message of the text. The second movement, titled "Jerusalem, Our Joy," is a setting of a text from the Book of Isaiah. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with a driving pulse and a more complex harmonic language. The choir sings in harmony throughout the movement, with occasional moments of dissonance and tension. The overall effect is one of celebration and exultation, reflecting the joyful message of the text. The third and final movement, titled "I Am the True Vine," is a setting of a text from the Gospel of John. The music is characterized by a slow, sustained melody and a rich, sonorous harmonic language. The choir sings in harmony throughout the movement, with occasional moments of dissonance and tension. The overall effect is one of solemnity and reverence, reflecting the spiritual message of the text. Overall, 'Peace Upon You, Jerusalem' is a deeply spiritual work that reflects Pärt's signature style of minimalism and simplicity. The piece is characterized by a sense of calm and contemplation, as well as moments of celebration and reverence. The work is a testament to Pärt's ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

More....