Composer

:

Alfred Schnittke

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1984 - 1985

Average_duration

:

38:36

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Alfred Schnittke's "Concerto for Choir" is a choral work that was composed in 1984. The piece was premiered on October 6, 1984, in Moscow, by the USSR State Chamber Choir under the direction of Valery Polyansky. The concerto is divided into four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "I. Seid nüchtern und wachet" (Be sober and watchful), is a setting of a text from the New Testament. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice, which is then joined by the rest of the choir. The music is characterized by its dissonant harmonies and angular melodies, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement, "II. Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise), is a setting of a text by Friedrich Hölderlin. The movement is marked by its use of polyphony, with different vocal lines weaving in and out of each other. The music is also characterized by its use of repetition, with certain phrases and motifs being repeated throughout the movement. The third movement, "III. Sei, Herr, mir gnädig" (Be gracious to me, Lord), is a setting of a text from the Psalms. The movement is marked by its use of homophony, with all the voices singing the same melody at the same time. The music is also characterized by its use of dynamics, with the volume of the choir rising and falling throughout the movement. The fourth and final movement, "IV. Herr, ich glaube" (Lord, I believe), is a setting of a text from the Gospel of John. The movement is marked by its use of a solo tenor voice, which is accompanied by the rest of the choir. The music is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and sudden shifts in dynamics, which create a sense of drama and intensity. Overall, Schnittke's "Concerto for Choir" is a challenging and complex work that showcases the composer's mastery of choral writing. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies, polyphony, and dynamic shifts, which create a sense of tension and drama throughout.

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