Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

1975

Average_duration

:

15:23

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Benjamin Britten's 'Sacred and Profane, medieval lyrics (8), Op. 91' is a choral work that was composed in 1974. The piece was premiered on July 7, 1975, at the Aldeburgh Festival in Suffolk, England. The work consists of eight movements, each of which is based on a medieval text. The first movement, "St. Godric's Hymn," is a simple and austere setting of a 12th-century text by the English hermit and musician St. Godric. The second movement, "I mon waxe wod," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a 13th-century text that describes the madness of love. The third movement, "Lenten is come," is a somber and introspective setting of a 15th-century text that reflects on the season of Lent. The fourth movement, "The long night," is a haunting and atmospheric setting of a 15th-century text that describes the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. The fifth movement, "Yif ic of luve can," is a playful and witty setting of a 13th-century text that celebrates the joys of love. The sixth movement, "Carol," is a joyful and exuberant setting of a 15th-century text that celebrates the birth of Christ. The seventh movement, "Ye that pasen by," is a mournful and plaintive setting of a 15th-century text that reflects on the suffering of Christ on the cross. The final movement, "Antiphon," is a serene and contemplative setting of a 15th-century text that praises the Virgin Mary. Overall, 'Sacred and Profane, medieval lyrics (8), Op. 91' is a work that showcases Britten's skill as a choral composer. The piece is characterized by its use of medieval texts, which Britten sets with sensitivity and imagination.

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