Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1959

Average_duration

:

20:38

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

Cantata academica, Op. 62 is a choral work composed by Benjamin Britten in 1959. It was commissioned by the University of Basel in Switzerland to celebrate its 500th anniversary. The premiere of the work took place on June 26, 1959, in Basel, with Britten conducting the Basel Chamber Orchestra and the Basel University Choir. The cantata is divided into five movements, each of which represents a different aspect of university life. The first movement, "Prologue," sets the scene for the work and introduces the themes that will be explored throughout. The second movement, "The Scholars," is a lively and rhythmic piece that celebrates the joy of learning and the pursuit of knowledge. The third movement, "The Theologians," is a more contemplative piece that reflects on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of university life. The fourth movement, "The Physicians," is a playful and humorous piece that pokes fun at the medical profession. The final movement, "Epilogue," brings the work to a close with a sense of reflection and contemplation. One of the most striking characteristics of Cantata academica is its use of multiple choirs. The work is scored for two mixed choirs, a children's choir, and a solo quartet. This allows Britten to create a rich and complex sound that is both powerful and nuanced. The work also features a wide range of musical styles, from the lively and rhythmic opening to the more contemplative and introspective moments later on. Overall, Cantata academica is a powerful and moving work that celebrates the joy of learning and the pursuit of knowledge. Its complex and nuanced musical language, combined with its rich choral textures, make it a true masterpiece of 20th-century choral music.

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