Composer

:

Patrick Gowers

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

First Performance

:

Jul 1999

Average_duration

:

7:21

"Ad te Levavi" is a choral work composed by Patrick Gowers in 1985. The piece was premiered on December 1, 1985, at St. John's College, Cambridge, by the choir of St. John's College, conducted by George Guest. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text from the Book of Psalms. The first movement, "Ad te Levavi," is based on Psalm 25:1-3. The text is a plea for guidance and forgiveness, and Gowers sets it to a hauntingly beautiful melody. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice, which is then joined by the choir. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement, "De Profundis," is based on Psalm 130. The text is a cry for mercy and forgiveness, and Gowers sets it to a mournful melody. The movement begins with a solo tenor voice, which is then joined by the choir. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a slow, mournful tempo. The third movement, "Gloria Patri," is based on Psalm 100. The text is a joyful hymn of praise, and Gowers sets it to a lively, energetic melody. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice, which is then joined by the choir. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and a fast tempo. Overall, "Ad te Levavi" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Gowers' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance, chromaticism, and long, sustained notes, which create a sense of tension and unease. The work is also notable for its use of solo voices, which add a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to the music.

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