Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1859 - 1863

Average_duration

:

2:27

Johannes Brahms composed "Regina coeli laetare, Op. 37/3" in 1864. The piece is a sacred motet for four-part mixed choir and orchestra. It was premiered on March 30, 1865, in Bremen, Germany, with Brahms conducting. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a joyful and celebratory setting of the "Regina coeli" text, which is a hymn to the Virgin Mary traditionally sung during the Easter season. The second movement is a more subdued setting of the "Ora pro nobis" text, which asks Mary to pray for us sinners. The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the first movement, with a lively setting of the "Alleluia" text. Brahms' setting of the "Regina coeli" text is characterized by his use of rich harmonies and lush orchestration. The choir and orchestra often alternate in their presentation of the text, with the choir singing the main melody and the orchestra providing accompaniment and interludes. The piece also features several solo passages for the choir, which showcase Brahms' skill in writing for voices. Overall, "Regina coeli laetare, Op. 37/3" is a beautiful and uplifting piece of sacred music that showcases Brahms' mastery of choral and orchestral writing. Its joyful mood and rich harmonies make it a popular choice for Easter and other religious celebrations.

More....