Composer

:

Max Bruch

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1895

Publication Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

118:54

Movement_count

:

19

Movement ....

Moses, Op. 67 is an oratorio composed by Max Bruch in 1894. It premiered on March 23, 1895, in Liverpool, England, with the Liverpool Philharmonic Society and a choir of over 500 voices. The oratorio is divided into three movements and tells the story of Moses and the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The first movement, "The Exodus," begins with a powerful orchestral introduction that sets the tone for the entire piece. The choir enters with a dramatic chorus, "And the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage," which sets the scene for the Israelites' suffering in Egypt. The movement then follows Moses as he leads the Israelites out of Egypt, with the choir singing of their hope and faith in God's protection. The second movement, "The Revelation," focuses on the giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The choir sings of the awe and wonder of the moment, with the soloists taking on the roles of Moses and God in a dialogue that culminates in the famous chorus, "The Lord is a man of war." The final movement, "The Promised Land," celebrates the Israelites' arrival in Canaan and their triumph over their enemies. The choir sings of their joy and gratitude, with the soloists taking on the roles of Joshua and Caleb in a duet that praises God's faithfulness and promises to serve Him forever. Throughout the oratorio, Bruch's music is characterized by its grandeur and emotional intensity. The orchestration is lush and colorful, with the choir and soloists soaring above the rich harmonies. Bruch's use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes, helps to unify the piece and give it a sense of coherence. Overall, Moses, Op. 67 is a powerful and moving work that showcases Bruch's skill as a composer of choral music. Its themes of faith, redemption, and triumph over adversity continue to resonate with audiences today.

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