Composer

:

Marģeris Zariņš

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

12:29

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Carmina Antica is a choral work composed by the Latvian composer Marģeris Zariņš. The piece was composed in 1965 and premiered in Riga, Latvia on December 17th of the same year. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled "O Fortuna," is a powerful and dramatic opening to the piece. The choir sings in unison, with the music building in intensity as the movement progresses. The lyrics are in Latin and speak of the fickleness of fortune and the inevitability of fate. The second movement, "Uf dem Anger," is a more lighthearted and playful section of the piece. The choir sings in German, with the music featuring a lively and upbeat tempo. The lyrics speak of the joys of spring and the pleasures of youth. The final movement, "In Taberna," is a raucous and energetic conclusion to the piece. The choir sings in Latin, with the music featuring a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency. The lyrics speak of the pleasures of drinking and revelry, with the choir shouting out the refrain "Ego sum abbas" (I am the abbot) throughout the movement. Overall, Carmina Antica is a dynamic and engaging choral work that showcases Zariņš' skill as a composer. The piece draws on a variety of musical traditions, including Latin and German folk music, to create a unique and memorable sound. The work has become a staple of the Latvian choral repertoire and is frequently performed by choirs around the world.

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