Composer

:

Lennox Berkeley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1955

Average_duration

:

6:53

Crux fidelis, Op. 43/1 is a choral work composed by Lennox Berkeley in 1955. The piece was premiered on March 25, 1956, at Westminster Cathedral in London, England. The work is a setting of the Latin hymn "Crux fidelis," which translates to "Faithful Cross." The hymn is traditionally sung during Holy Week and is often associated with the veneration of the cross. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a setting of the hymn's first verse and features a solo tenor voice accompanied by the choir. The second movement is a setting of the hymn's second verse and features the choir singing in unison. The third movement is a setting of the hymn's third and fourth verses and features the choir singing in four-part harmony. The piece is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and its simple, yet effective, choral writing. The first movement features a haunting melody sung by the solo tenor voice, which is then echoed by the choir. The second movement is more rhythmic and features the choir singing in unison, creating a sense of unity and strength. The third movement is the most complex, featuring four-part harmony and a sense of grandeur and majesty. Overall, Crux fidelis, Op. 43/1 is a beautiful and moving choral work that captures the solemnity and reverence of Holy Week. Its simple yet effective choral writing and use of modal harmonies make it a timeless piece that continues to be performed and enjoyed by choirs around the world.

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