Composer

:

Aarre Merikanto

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

18:44

Genesis is a choral work composed by Aarre Merikanto in 1929. The piece was premiered on May 12, 1929, in Helsinki, Finland, by the Helsinki University Chorus. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the creation story from the book of Genesis. The first movement, titled "In the Beginning," is a depiction of the creation of the world. The music is characterized by a sense of awe and wonder, with the choir singing in unison to create a sense of unity and harmony. The movement begins with a slow, quiet introduction, building gradually to a powerful climax as the choir sings the words "Let there be light." The second movement, titled "The Creation of Man," is a more introspective and reflective piece. The music is characterized by a sense of intimacy and tenderness, with the choir singing in a more subdued and gentle manner. The movement begins with a solo soprano singing the words "And God created man in his own image," followed by the choir singing a gentle, flowing melody. The third and final movement, titled "The Sabbath," is a celebration of the completion of creation. The music is characterized by a sense of joy and exuberance, with the choir singing in a lively and energetic manner. The movement begins with a solo tenor singing the words "And on the seventh day, God rested," followed by the choir singing a lively, dance-like melody. Overall, Genesis is a powerful and moving choral work that captures the essence of the creation story from the book of Genesis. The music is characterized by a sense of awe, wonder, intimacy, tenderness, joy, and exuberance, making it a truly remarkable composition that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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