Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Introit

Compose Date

:

1965

First Performance

:

Dec 16, 1965

Average_duration

:

4:13

Introitus: T. S. Eliot in Memoriam is a choral work composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1965. The piece was written in memory of the famous poet T. S. Eliot, who was a close friend of Stravinsky. The work is a setting of the Latin text from the Requiem Mass, and it is divided into three movements. The premiere of Introitus: T. S. Eliot in Memoriam took place on January 22, 1966, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The piece was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by the composer himself. The first movement, titled "Requiem aeternam," is a somber and mournful piece that sets the tone for the entire work. The music is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing the text in unison. The orchestra provides a subtle accompaniment, with soft strings and gentle percussion. The second movement, "Kyrie," is more lively and energetic than the first. The choir sings the text in a more complex and intricate manner, with overlapping voices and intricate harmonies. The orchestra provides a more prominent accompaniment, with brass and woodwinds adding a sense of urgency and drama to the music. The final movement, "In Paradisum," is a peaceful and serene piece that brings the work to a close. The choir sings the text in a gentle and soothing manner, with the orchestra providing a delicate and ethereal accompaniment. The music gradually fades away, leaving the listener with a sense of calm and tranquility. Overall, Introitus: T. S. Eliot in Memoriam is a powerful and moving work that showcases Stravinsky's mastery of choral music. The piece is characterized by its somber and contemplative tone, intricate harmonies, and delicate orchestration. It is a fitting tribute to the memory of T. S. Eliot, and a testament to Stravinsky's enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

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