Composer

:

Arthur Bliss

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1961

Publication Date

:

1962

First Performance

:

May 25, 1962

Average_duration

:

49:01

Arthur Bliss composed 'The Beatitudes, F. 28' in 1922. The piece was premiered on October 10, 1923, at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford, England. The work is a choral setting of the Beatitudes, a series of blessings given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. 'The Beatitudes' is divided into eight movements, one for each of the Beatitudes. The first movement, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," is a gentle and introspective setting for the choir. The second movement, "Blessed are they that mourn," is more somber and mournful, with a solo soprano singing a haunting melody over the choir. The third movement, "Blessed are the meek," is a lively and rhythmic setting, with the choir singing in a call-and-response style. The fourth movement, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness," is a powerful and dramatic setting, with the choir singing in a full-throated and passionate manner. The fifth movement, "Blessed are the merciful," is a gentle and tender setting, with the choir singing in a hushed and reverent manner. The sixth movement, "Blessed are the pure in heart," is a bright and joyful setting, with the choir singing in a lively and exuberant manner. The seventh movement, "Blessed are the peacemakers," is a serene and peaceful setting, with the choir singing in a calm and soothing manner. The final movement, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake," is a triumphant and majestic setting, with the choir singing in a bold and confident manner. Overall, 'The Beatitudes' is a powerful and moving work, with a wide range of emotions and musical styles. Bliss's setting of the Beatitudes is both reverent and passionate, capturing the essence of Jesus's teachings in a beautiful and inspiring way.

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