Composer

:

Barbara Harbach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

2003

Average_duration

:

1:35

"Christ lag in Todesbanden" is a choral work composed by Barbara Harbach in 2017. The piece was premiered on April 23, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, Missouri, by the Kirkwood Chancel Choir and Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Harbach. The work is divided into seven movements, each based on a stanza of the hymn "Christ lag in Todesbanden" by Martin Luther. The first movement, "Christ lag in Todesbanden," is a setting of the hymn's first stanza and features a solemn, chant-like melody in the choir, accompanied by a simple, yet powerful orchestral accompaniment. The second movement, "Den Tod niemand zwingen kunnt," is a lively fugue that showcases the choir's contrapuntal abilities. The third movement, "Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn," is a gentle, reflective piece that features a solo soprano singing the hymn's third stanza. The fourth movement, "Es war ein wunderlicher Krieg," is a dramatic and intense setting of the hymn's fourth stanza, with the choir and orchestra building to a powerful climax. The fifth movement, "Hier ist das rechte Osterlamm," is a joyful and celebratory piece that features the choir and orchestra in a lively dance-like setting. The sixth movement, "So feiern wir das hohe Fest," is a triumphant setting of the hymn's sixth stanza, with the choir and orchestra building to a grand finale. The final movement, "Wir essen und leben wohl," is a joyful and celebratory piece that features the choir and orchestra in a lively dance-like setting. The work as a whole is characterized by its use of traditional choral and orchestral techniques, as well as its incorporation of elements of Lutheran hymnody. Overall, "Christ lag in Todesbanden" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Barbara Harbach's skill as a composer and her deep understanding of the Lutheran musical tradition. Its premiere was a resounding success, and it has since become a beloved addition to the choral repertoire.

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