Composer

:

Anton Bruckner

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Gradual

Compose Date

:

ca. 1879

Average_duration

:

5:14

Anton Bruckner's "Christus factus est (II) in D minor, WAB 10" is a sacred choral work composed in 1884. It premiered on March 30, 1884, at the Vienna Hofburgkapelle, conducted by Bruckner himself. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately six minutes in length. The first movement begins with a somber and mournful introduction, setting the tone for the piece. The choir then enters with a unison chant of the text "Christus factus est pro nobis obediens usque ad mortem" (Christ became obedient for us unto death). The music builds in intensity as the choir repeats this text, with the harmonies becoming more complex and dissonant. The movement ends with a quiet and reflective section, with the choir singing "propter quod et Deus exaltavit illum" (therefore God exalted him). The second movement is a brief interlude, with the choir singing "in nomine Jesu omne genu flectatur caelestium, terrestrium et infernorum" (at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth). The music is more uplifting and hopeful than the first movement, with brighter harmonies and a faster tempo. The third and final movement returns to the somber tone of the first, with the choir singing "Therefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). The music is more complex and dissonant than the second movement, with the choir singing in a more declamatory style. The piece ends with a quiet and reflective section, with the choir singing "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). Overall, "Christus factus est (II) in D minor, WAB 10" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Bruckner's skill in choral composition. The piece is characterized by its somber tone, complex harmonies, and declamatory style.

More....