Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Pater Noster

Compose Date

:

1949

Average_duration

:

1:53

Igor Stravinsky's "Pater Noster" is a choral work that was composed in 1926. It was premiered in Paris on June 6, 1926, by the Chorale de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire, conducted by Stravinsky himself. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Lord's Prayer. The first movement, "Pater Noster," is a setting of the opening line of the prayer. It begins with a unison chant by the choir, which is then joined by a solo soprano. The music is characterized by its simple, chant-like melody and its use of dissonant harmonies. The movement ends with a quiet, contemplative section in which the choir sings the words "sed libera nos a malo" ("but deliver us from evil") in a hushed, prayerful tone. The second movement, "Ave Maria," is a setting of the Hail Mary. It begins with a solo soprano singing the words "Ave Maria, gratia plena" ("Hail Mary, full of grace") in a gentle, flowing melody. The choir then joins in, singing a harmonized version of the same melody. The movement is characterized by its lush harmonies and its use of polyphony, with different parts of the choir singing different melodies at the same time. The third movement, "Gloria Patri," is a setting of the doxology that concludes the Lord's Prayer. It begins with a fanfare-like introduction, followed by a lively, rhythmic section in which the choir sings the words "Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto" ("Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit"). The movement is characterized by its energetic rhythms and its use of syncopation and irregular meters. Overall, "Pater Noster" is a relatively simple and straightforward work, characterized by its use of chant-like melodies, dissonant harmonies, and polyphony. It is a testament to Stravinsky's ability to create powerful and moving music using only the most basic musical materials.

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