Composer

:

Ivan Moody

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1998

Average_duration

:

96:03

Movement_count

:

27

Movement ....

The Akáthistos Hymn is a choral work composed by Ivan Moody in 1993. It was premiered in the same year by the Choir of Westminster Cathedral in London. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Akáthistos Hymn, a Byzantine hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The first movement, "Ode 1," is a setting of the first section of the hymn, which praises the Virgin Mary as the "unwedded bride" and "Mother of God." The music is characterized by a slow, meditative pace, with the choir singing in unison and accompanied by a drone-like organ accompaniment. The second movement, "Ode 3," is a setting of the third section of the hymn, which describes the Annunciation and the birth of Christ. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with the choir singing in harmony and accompanied by a more varied organ accompaniment. The third movement, "Ode 5," is a setting of the fifth section of the hymn, which praises the Virgin Mary as the "protectress of the faithful" and "helper of the oppressed." The music is more complex than the previous movements, with the choir singing in multiple parts and accompanied by a more intricate organ accompaniment. The final movement, "Ode 9," is a setting of the ninth and final section of the hymn, which concludes with a prayer for the Virgin Mary's intercession. The music is the most dramatic and intense of the four movements, with the choir singing in full harmony and accompanied by a powerful organ accompaniment. Overall, Moody's setting of the Akáthistos Hymn is characterized by its use of traditional Byzantine chant melodies and its incorporation of modern harmonies and textures. The piece is a testament to Moody's skill as a composer and his ability to bridge the gap between ancient and modern musical traditions.

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