Composer

:

David Creese

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:03

"In manus tuas" is a choral work composed by David Creese, a contemporary British composer. The piece was composed in 2005 and premiered in the same year. It is a setting of the Latin text "In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum" (Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit), which is a prayer traditionally said at bedtime. 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 gentle, flowing melody in the upper voices. The lower voices provide a steady, pulsing accompaniment, creating a sense of calm and serenity. The text is sung in a simple, straightforward manner, emphasizing the trust and surrender expressed in the words. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is more energetic and rhythmic than the first. The melody is more angular and fragmented, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex interplay. The text is sung with greater intensity and urgency, reflecting the sense of struggle and striving expressed in the words. The final movement is marked "Adagio" and is the most contemplative and introspective of the three. The melody is slow and mournful, with long, sustained notes in the upper voices. The lower voices provide a gentle, rocking accompaniment, creating a sense of lullaby or cradle song. The text is sung with great tenderness and vulnerability, expressing the speaker's trust in God even in the face of death. Overall, "In manus tuas" is a beautiful and moving choral work that captures the essence of the prayer it sets to music. The three movements each offer a different perspective on the text, from the peaceful surrender of the first to the intense struggle of the second to the quiet acceptance of the third. The piece is a testament to Creese's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the heart and soul.

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