Composer

:

Jan Dismas Zelenka

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1738

Publication Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

15:29

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Jan Dismas Zelenka's Miserere in C minor, ZWV 57, is a sacred choral work composed in the Baroque era. It was likely composed in the early 1730s during Zelenka's tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Dresden. The piece was premiered in Dresden in 1733 during Holy Week. The Miserere is divided into nine movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Latin text of Psalm 51. The first movement is a choral setting of the opening verse of the psalm, "Miserere mei, Deus" ("Have mercy on me, O God"). The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto, "Tibi soli peccavi" ("Against you alone have I sinned"). The third movement is a choral setting of "Asperges me" ("Sprinkle me with hyssop"). The fourth movement is a duet for tenor and bass, "Cor mundum crea in me" ("Create in me a clean heart"). The fifth movement is a choral setting of "Ne projicias me" ("Do not cast me away from your presence"). The sixth movement is a duet for soprano and alto, "Tunc acceptabis" ("Then you will be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness"). The seventh movement is a choral setting of "Domine, labia mea aperies" ("O Lord, open my lips"). The eighth movement is a duet for tenor and bass, "Redde mihi laetitiam" ("Restore to me the joy of your salvation"). The final movement is a choral setting of "Gloria Patri" ("Glory be to the Father"). The Miserere is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate counterpoint. Zelenka's use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of tension and drama throughout the piece. The duets and choral settings are carefully balanced, with each voice part given equal importance. The Miserere is a testament to Zelenka's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the Baroque style.

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