Composer

:

Peter Cornelius

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:12

Peter Cornelius was a German composer, writer, and painter who lived from 1824 to 1874. He is best known for his vocal music, particularly his choral works. One of his most famous compositions is the "Requiem Aeternam" for male chorus. The "Requiem Aeternam" was composed in 1865 and premiered the same year in Munich. It is a setting of the Latin text of the Requiem Mass, which is a Catholic funeral Mass. The piece is divided into six movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "Requiem Aeternam," is a somber and mournful setting of the opening text of the Mass. The second movement, "Dies Irae," is a dramatic and intense depiction of the Day of Judgment, with thundering percussion and powerful choral singing. The third movement, "Offertorium," is a more subdued and contemplative section, with a solo baritone singing a prayer for the dead. The fourth movement, "Sanctus," is a joyful and celebratory section, with the choir singing praises to God. The fifth movement, "Agnus Dei," is a gentle and peaceful section, with the choir singing a prayer for mercy and forgiveness. The final movement, "Lux Aeterna," is a triumphant and uplifting section, with the choir singing of the eternal light of heaven. Overall, the "Requiem Aeternam" is a powerful and moving work, with a wide range of emotions and moods. It showcases Cornelius's skill as a composer of choral music, and remains a popular and frequently performed piece to this day.

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