Composer

:

Pablo Casals

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:48

"Tota pulchra est" is a choral composition by the Spanish cellist and composer Pablo Casals. The piece was composed in 1928 and premiered in Barcelona in the same year. It is a setting of a text from the Song of Songs, a book of the Old Testament, and is written for four-part choir a cappella. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody in the soprano and alto voices. The tenor and bass voices provide a rich harmonic foundation, with occasional moments of dissonance that add tension and drama to the piece. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is more rhythmic and energetic than the first. The choir sings in a lively, dance-like rhythm, with the melody passing between the different voices. The harmonies are more complex in this movement, with frequent modulations and unexpected chord progressions. The final movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is the most contemplative and introspective of the three. The choir sings in a slow, mournful tempo, with long, sustained notes and a sense of deep sadness and longing. The harmonies are simple and spare, with a focus on the beauty of the individual voices and the emotional impact of the text. Overall, "Tota pulchra est" is a beautiful and deeply expressive choral work that showcases Casals' skill as both a composer and a cellist. The piece is notable for its rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and emotional depth, and remains a beloved part of the choral repertoire to this day.

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