Composer

:

Anton Bruckner

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1848 - 1849

Average_duration

:

3:01

Anton Bruckner's 'Tantum ergo in A major, WAB 43' is a sacred choral work composed in 1864. It was premiered on September 8, 1864, at the St. Florian Monastery in Austria, where Bruckner served as the organist and choir director. The piece is a setting of the Latin hymn 'Tantum ergo sacramentum,' which is traditionally sung during the veneration of the Eucharist. The work is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being settings of the 'Tantum ergo' text and the second movement being a setting of the 'Ave verum corpus' text. The first movement is marked 'Moderato' and features a simple, homophonic texture with the choir singing in unison or in simple harmonies. The second movement is marked 'Andante' and features a more complex, contrapuntal texture with the choir singing in multiple parts. The third movement is marked 'Allegro moderato' and features a lively, dance-like rhythm with the choir singing in a more elaborate and virtuosic style. One of the characteristics of Bruckner's 'Tantum ergo' is its use of chromaticism, which creates a sense of tension and release throughout the piece. This is particularly evident in the second movement, where the chromatic harmonies create a sense of longing and yearning in the text. Another characteristic of the work is its use of dynamic contrast, with the choir alternating between loud and soft passages to create a sense of drama and intensity. Overall, Bruckner's 'Tantum ergo in A major, WAB 43' is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases the composer's skill in creating complex and emotionally powerful music. Its premiere at the St. Florian Monastery was a significant moment in Bruckner's career, and the piece remains a beloved part of the choral repertoire to this day.

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