Composer

:

Siegfried Matthus

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

25:31

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Responso is a choral work composed by Siegfried Matthus in 1980. The piece was premiered on November 9, 1980, in the Berliner Dom, Germany, by the Berlin Radio Choir and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Claus Peter Flor. Responso is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, "Introitus," is a solemn and mournful introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "Dies Irae," is a powerful and dramatic section that features the choir and orchestra in a call-and-response style. The final movement, "Lux Aeterna," is a peaceful and contemplative section that brings the piece to a gentle close. The characteristics of Responso are deeply rooted in the composer's personal experiences and beliefs. Matthus was born in Germany in 1934 and grew up during World War II. His father was a member of the Nazi party, and Matthus himself was drafted into the East German army. These experiences left a profound impact on his music, which often explores themes of war, loss, and redemption. Responso is no exception. The piece is a musical response to the horrors of war and the human suffering that it causes. The Latin text, which is taken from the Catholic Requiem Mass, speaks of judgment, mercy, and eternal rest. Matthus uses the text to create a powerful and emotional work that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and grief. Overall, Responso is a deeply moving and powerful choral work that showcases Matthus's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. Its premiere in 1980 was a significant event in the German music scene, and the piece continues to be performed and admired today.

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