Composer

:

Leos Janácek

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1876

Publication Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

2:51

Láska opravdivá, JW 4/8, is a choral work composed by the Czech composer Leos Janácek. The piece was composed in 1911 and premiered in Brno, Czech Republic, on December 10, 1911. The work is divided into three movements and is characterized by its use of folk melodies and its emotional intensity. The first movement, "Láska opravdivá" (True Love), is a setting of a traditional Moravian folk song. The piece begins with a solo soprano singing the melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The music is characterized by its simple, yet powerful harmonies and its use of syncopated rhythms. The movement builds to a climax with the choir singing the melody in unison, before ending with a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, "Svatební košile" (The Wedding Shirt), is also based on a traditional Moravian folk song. The music is more complex than the first movement, with intricate harmonies and a more varied use of rhythm. The movement is characterized by its emotional intensity, with the choir singing with great passion and energy. The movement ends with a powerful climax, with the choir singing the melody in unison. The final movement, "Hody, hody, doprovody" (Feasts, Feasts, Processions), is a setting of another traditional Moravian folk song. The movement is characterized by its lively, dance-like rhythms and its use of call-and-response between the choir and soloists. The music is joyful and celebratory, with the choir singing with great energy and enthusiasm. The movement ends with a triumphant coda, with the choir singing the melody in unison. Overall, Láska opravdivá is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Janácek's skill at setting traditional folk melodies. The work is characterized by its use of simple, yet powerful harmonies, its intricate rhythms, and its emotional intensity. The piece remains a popular work in the choral repertoire and is often performed by choirs around the world.

More....