Composer

:

Arnold Schoenberg

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1949

Average_duration

:

3:01

Arnold Schoenberg's 'Dreimal tausend Jahre, Op. 50a' is a choral work that was composed in 1950. The piece was premiered on October 6, 1951, in Jerusalem, Israel, by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Palestine Radio Choir, conducted by Leonard Bernstein. The work is divided into three movements, each representing a different era in Jewish history. The first movement, titled "The Age of the Fathers," is a setting of texts from the Talmud and Midrash that describe the lives of the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Jewish people. The music is characterized by a sense of reverence and awe, with rich harmonies and soaring melodies that evoke the majesty of these ancient figures. The second movement, "The Age of the Prophets," is based on texts from the Hebrew Bible that describe the lives and teachings of the prophets of Israel. The music is more dramatic and intense than the first movement, with dissonant harmonies and angular melodies that reflect the struggles and conflicts of these visionary figures. The final movement, "The Modern Age," is a setting of texts by Schoenberg himself that reflect on the state of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust. The music is somber and reflective, with sparse textures and haunting melodies that convey a sense of loss and mourning. Overall, 'Dreimal tausend Jahre, Op. 50a' is a powerful and deeply moving work that reflects Schoenberg's own personal journey as a Jewish composer living in the aftermath of one of the greatest tragedies in human history. Through its three movements, the piece offers a sweeping panorama of Jewish history and culture, from the ancient world of the patriarchs and prophets to the modern era of suffering and renewal.

More....