Composer

:

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1884

Average_duration

:

2:52

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's 'Legend (When Jesus Christ was but a child), Op. 54/5' is a choral work that was composed in 1883. The piece was premiered on December 25, 1883, in Moscow, Russia, by the Russian Musical Society. The work is part of a larger collection of choral pieces called 'Sixteen Songs for Children,' which Tchaikovsky composed between 1881 and 1883. 'Legend' is a single-movement work that is approximately three minutes in length. The piece is written for four-part mixed choir and piano accompaniment. The text of the piece is a Russian translation of a German poem by Ludwig Uhland. The poem tells the story of Jesus Christ as a child, who is visited by a group of angels who sing to him and bless him. The piece begins with a gentle piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The choir then enters with a soft, angelic melody that is sung in unison. The melody is simple and sweet, and it is repeated several times throughout the piece. The choir then breaks into four parts, with each part singing a different melody that weaves together to create a beautiful, harmonious sound. The piano accompaniment is also an important part of the piece. It provides a gentle, flowing background that supports the choir's singing. The piano part is relatively simple, but it adds depth and richness to the piece. One of the characteristics of 'Legend' is its simplicity. The melody is easy to sing and remember, and the harmonies are straightforward. The piece is also relatively short, which makes it accessible to choirs of all levels. Despite its simplicity, however, the piece is still beautiful and moving. Another characteristic of 'Legend' is its use of repetition. The main melody is repeated several times throughout the piece, which creates a sense of unity and continuity. The repetition also helps to reinforce the message of the text, which is about the angels singing to Jesus Christ. In conclusion, 'Legend (When Jesus Christ was but a child), Op. 54/5' is a beautiful choral work that is characterized by its simplicity, repetition, and gentle, flowing melody. The piece is part of a larger collection of choral pieces that Tchaikovsky composed for children, and it is still popular today.

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