Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1707

Average_duration

:

11:32

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

"O qualis de coelo sonus" is a sacred cantata composed by George Frederick Handel in 1749. The piece was written for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, which is celebrated on September 29th. The cantata is also known as "The Cecilian Ode" because it was written for the Cecilian Society, a group of musicians in London who were dedicated to the performance of sacred music. The cantata is divided into three movements. The first movement is a chorus that begins with the words "O qualis de coelo sonus," which means "Oh, what heavenly sound." The chorus is written for four-part choir and orchestra, and it is a joyful and celebratory piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cantata. The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto, with the words "In splendoribus sanctorum." This movement is more contemplative and introspective than the first, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The duet is accompanied by a small ensemble of strings and continuo. The final movement is a solo aria for bass, with the words "Fulget amica dies." This movement is the most dramatic and intense of the three, with a faster tempo and more virtuosic vocal writing. The bass soloist is accompanied by a full orchestra, including trumpets and timpani, which adds to the grandeur and majesty of the piece. Overall, "O qualis de coelo sonus" is a beautiful and uplifting work that showcases Handel's skill as a composer of sacred music. The piece is characterized by its joyful and celebratory tone, as well as its intricate harmonies and virtuosic vocal writing. The cantata premiered on September 29th, 1749, and it has since become a beloved piece in the repertoire of sacred music.

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