Composer

:

Edward Higginbottom

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:25

"Te lucis ante terminum (after Casal's Song of the Birds)" is a choral composition by Edward Higginbottom, an English conductor and musicologist. The piece was composed in 2008 and premiered on November 22, 2008, at the Chapel of New College, Oxford, where Higginbottom served as the Director of Music. The composition is based on the melody of "El cant dels ocells" (Song of the Birds), a traditional Catalan Christmas carol. Higginbottom's arrangement of the melody is in four-part harmony, with the soprano and alto parts singing the melody in unison while the tenor and bass parts provide harmonic support. The piece is written in Latin and is a setting of the Compline hymn "Te lucis ante terminum," which is traditionally sung at the end of the day. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody in the soprano and alto parts. The tenor and bass parts provide a steady, rhythmic accompaniment, creating a sense of calm and tranquility. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is more lively and energetic than the first. The melody is passed between the different parts, creating a sense of movement and momentum. The harmonies are more complex in this movement, with the different parts weaving in and out of each other to create a rich, layered texture. The final movement is marked "Andante" and returns to the gentle, flowing melody of the first movement. The harmonies are simpler in this movement, with the different parts singing in unison for much of the piece. The overall effect is one of peacefulness and serenity, bringing the piece to a gentle close. Overall, "Te lucis ante terminum (after Casal's Song of the Birds)" is a beautiful and evocative choral composition that showcases Higginbottom's skill as a composer and arranger. The use of the traditional Catalan melody adds a unique and memorable element to the piece, while the three distinct movements provide a sense of variety and contrast.

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