Composer

:

Richard Wayne Dirksen

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

4:29

Christ Our Passover is a choral work composed by Richard Wayne Dirksen, an American composer, organist, and choirmaster. The piece was composed in 1974 and premiered on April 14, 1974, at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The work is divided into three movements and is approximately 20 minutes in length. The first movement, titled "Christ Our Passover," is a setting of the traditional text from the Book of Common Prayer. The movement begins with a solo voice singing the opening lines of the text, followed by the choir singing in unison. The music is characterized by a simple, yet powerful melody that is repeated throughout the movement. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromaticism to add color and interest. The second movement, titled "The Strife is O'er," is a setting of a hymn text by Francis Pott. The movement begins with a fanfare-like introduction played by the organ, followed by the choir singing the hymn text in unison. The music is characterized by a triumphant and joyful mood, with frequent use of brass and percussion to add to the celebratory atmosphere. The third and final movement, titled "Alleluia," is a setting of the traditional text from the Book of Common Prayer. The movement begins with a solo voice singing the opening lines of the text, followed by the choir singing in unison. The music is characterized by a lively and energetic rhythm, with frequent use of syncopation and irregular meters. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional use of modal inflections to add interest. Overall, Christ Our Passover is a powerful and uplifting choral work that celebrates the resurrection of Christ. The music is characterized by simple yet effective melodies, diatonic harmonies, and frequent use of brass and percussion to add to the celebratory atmosphere. The work is a testament to Dirksen's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful.

More....