Composer

:

Henryk Mikolaj Górecki

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorus

Compose Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

9:24

Totus Tuus, Op. 60 is a choral work composed by the Polish composer Henryk Mikolaj Górecki in 1987. The piece was commissioned by Pope John Paul II to celebrate his third pilgrimage to his homeland, Poland. The title of the work, "Totus Tuus," is Latin for "totally yours," and is a reference to the Virgin Mary. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement is based on a prayer by St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, the second movement is based on a poem by St. Teresa of Avila, and the third movement is based on a traditional Polish hymn to the Virgin Mary. The first movement is marked "Molto moderato" and begins with a simple, chant-like melody in the sopranos. The other voices gradually enter, building to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, contemplative section. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody. The second movement is marked "Allegro molto" and is more rhythmic and energetic than the first. The text, which is in Spanish, describes the soul's longing for God. The movement features a driving rhythm in the lower voices and a soaring melody in the sopranos. The third movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is based on a traditional Polish hymn to the Virgin Mary. The movement begins with a simple, hymn-like melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the other voices. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, peaceful ending. Overall, Totus Tuus, Op. 60 is a deeply spiritual work that reflects Górecki's Catholic faith. The piece is characterized by its simple, chant-like melodies, rich harmonies, and use of repetition and variation. It has become one of Górecki's most popular works and is often performed at religious services and concerts around the world.

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