Composer

:

Gottfried August Homilius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:11

'Da es nun Abend war' is a sacred cantata composed by Gottfried August Homilius, a German composer and church musician of the late Baroque era. The cantata was composed in 1765 and premiered in the same year in Dresden, Germany. The cantata consists of three movements, each of which is based on a biblical text. The first movement is a chorale, 'Da es nun Abend war', which is based on the Gospel of Mark. The second movement is an aria, 'Ich will den Kreuzweg gerne gehen', which is based on the Gospel of Matthew. The third movement is a chorale, 'Nun ruhen alle Wälder', which is based on a hymn by Paul Gerhardt. The first movement, 'Da es nun Abend war', is a chorale that is characterized by its simple and homophonic texture. The melody is sung by the soprano soloist, while the choir provides a harmonious accompaniment. The movement is marked by a sense of calm and tranquility, reflecting the peacefulness of the evening. The second movement, 'Ich will den Kreuzweg gerne gehen', is an aria that is characterized by its expressive and emotional nature. The aria is sung by the alto soloist, who expresses her willingness to follow Jesus on the path of the cross. The movement is marked by a sense of determination and resolve, reflecting the strength of the believer's faith. The third movement, 'Nun ruhen alle Wälder', is a chorale that is characterized by its pastoral and serene character. The melody is sung by the choir, while the soloists provide a harmonious accompaniment. The movement is marked by a sense of peace and contentment, reflecting the restfulness of the forest. Overall, 'Da es nun Abend war' is a beautiful and contemplative cantata that reflects the composer's deep faith and devotion. The cantata is characterized by its simple and elegant melodies, expressive harmonies, and emotional depth. It remains a beloved work of sacred music to this day.

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