Composer

:

Stephen Paulus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Movement_count

:

21

Movement ....

To Be Certain of the Dawn is a choral work composed by Stephen Paulus in 2005. It was commissioned by the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. The work premiered on April 30, 2005, at the Basilica of Saint Mary, performed by the Basilica Cathedral Choir, the Cathedral Choristers, and the Cathedral Chamber Orchestra. The work is divided into three movements, each representing a different stage of the Holocaust. The first movement, "Night," is a setting of the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael" and represents the darkness and despair of the concentration camps. The second movement, "Morning," is a setting of the Christian hymn "Morning Has Broken" and represents the hope and renewal that came with the liberation of the camps. The third movement, "Day," is a setting of the Jewish prayer "Hashkiveinu" and represents the need for continued vigilance against hatred and prejudice. The work is characterized by its use of both Jewish and Christian texts, reflecting the interfaith nature of the commemoration. The music is largely tonal and accessible, with lush harmonies and soaring melodies. The use of soloists and small ensembles within the larger choir adds variety and depth to the work. To Be Certain of the Dawn has been widely performed since its premiere, both in the United States and internationally. It has been praised for its powerful message of hope and reconciliation in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

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