Composer

:

Ludvig Irgens-Jensen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1936

Average_duration

:

3:06

Altar is a choral work composed by Norwegian composer Ludvig Irgens-Jensen. It was composed in 1946 and premiered on March 16, 1947, in Oslo, Norway. The work is divided into three movements and is scored for mixed choir, soloists, and orchestra. The first movement, titled "Kyrie," is a solemn and introspective piece that begins with a soft and mournful choral chant. The soloists then enter, singing a prayer for mercy and forgiveness. The orchestra provides a somber accompaniment, with the strings playing long, sustained notes and the brass and percussion adding occasional bursts of sound. The second movement, "Gloria," is a joyful and exuberant piece that celebrates the glory of God. The choir and soloists sing in unison, with the orchestra providing a lively and energetic accompaniment. The music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and its use of syncopation and shifting meters. The final movement, "Sanctus and Agnus Dei," is a contemplative and meditative piece that combines two traditional liturgical texts. The choir and soloists sing a prayer of praise and adoration, while the orchestra provides a gentle and ethereal accompaniment. The music is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and its delicate and nuanced orchestration. Overall, Altar is a powerful and moving work that showcases Irgens-Jensen's skill as a composer of choral music. The work is notable for its use of traditional liturgical texts, its expressive melodies, and its rich and varied orchestration. It remains a popular and frequently performed work in the choral repertoire.

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