Composer

:

Wojciech Kilar

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1981

Average_duration

:

23:12

Exodus for mixed chorus & orchestra is a composition by the Polish composer Wojciech Kilar. It was composed in 1993 and premiered on October 22, 1994, in Katowice, Poland. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, titled "Prologue," begins with a slow and mysterious introduction by the orchestra. The choir then enters with a chant-like melody, which is repeated and developed throughout the movement. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir and orchestra reaching a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The second movement, "Exodus," is the longest and most complex of the three. It begins with a driving rhythm in the orchestra, which is soon joined by the choir singing a text based on the biblical story of the Israelites' flight from Egypt. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and use of ostinatos, as well as its frequent shifts in tempo and dynamics. The movement reaches a dramatic climax with the choir and orchestra in full force before ending with a quiet and contemplative coda. The final movement, "Epilogue," is a brief and peaceful meditation on the themes of the piece. The choir sings a simple melody over a gentle accompaniment by the orchestra, bringing the work to a serene and satisfying conclusion. Overall, Exodus for mixed chorus & orchestra is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Kilar's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of traditional choral and orchestral techniques, as well as its incorporation of contemporary elements such as rhythmic complexity and unconventional harmonies. It is a testament to Kilar's ability to create music that is both deeply emotional and intellectually engaging.

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