Composer

:

Ola Gjeilo

Compose Date

:

2010

Average_duration

:

3:23

'Ubi caritas' is a choral work composed by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo in 2001. The piece was premiered in the same year by the Phoenix Chorale, a Grammy Award-winning choir based in Arizona, USA. 'Ubi caritas' is a four-movement work that is based on the Gregorian chant of the same name. The first movement, 'Ubi caritas et amor', is a simple and serene setting of the chant, with the choir singing in unison. The second movement, 'Tu es Petrus', is a more complex and dynamic setting of the chant, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The third movement, 'Ave Maria', is a gentle and contemplative setting of the text, with the choir singing in three-part harmony. The final movement, 'Ubi caritas et amor II', is a reprise of the first movement, but with added harmonies and a more complex texture. The characteristics of 'Ubi caritas' are reflective of Gjeilo's style, which is often described as "mystical" and "ethereal". The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, lush textures, and soaring melodies. Gjeilo's use of dissonance and unconventional chord progressions creates a sense of tension and release that is both dramatic and emotional. The piece is also notable for its use of silence and space, which allows the music to breathe and creates a sense of stillness and contemplation. Overall, 'Ubi caritas' is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Gjeilo's unique style and sensitivity as a composer. Its timeless and universal themes of love, compassion, and unity make it a powerful and inspiring piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

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