Composer

:

Ferruccio Busoni

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1898

Publication Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

2:09

'Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf' is a choral work composed by Ferruccio Busoni in 1909. The piece is based on a hymn by Paul Gerhardt and is part of Busoni's 'Two Hymns for Mixed Choir and Orchestra', KiV B27. The premiere of the work took place on 22 December 1909 in Berlin, conducted by Busoni himself. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a solemn and majestic orchestral introduction, followed by the entrance of the choir singing the hymn in unison. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir and orchestra alternating between moments of grandeur and moments of quiet contemplation. The movement ends with a powerful climax, as the choir sings the final lines of the hymn with great fervor. The second movement is a brief interlude, featuring a solo violin playing a haunting melody over a quiet orchestral accompaniment. This section provides a moment of reflection and introspection before the final movement. The third movement begins with a lively and energetic orchestral introduction, leading into a joyful and exuberant setting of the hymn. The choir sings with great enthusiasm, accompanied by a lively and rhythmic orchestral accompaniment. The music builds to a triumphant climax, with the choir and orchestra joining together in a glorious celebration of faith. Busoni's 'Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf' is a powerful and moving work, showcasing the composer's skill in writing for choir and orchestra. The piece is characterized by its grandeur, its moments of quiet introspection, and its joyful celebration of faith. It remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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