Composer

:

Ernest Bloch

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1930 - 1933

Average_duration

:

50:20

Movement_count

:

26

Movement ....

Ernest Bloch's Avodath Hakodesh is a choral work that was composed in 1933. The piece was premiered in 1934 in Carnegie Hall, New York City, by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the Westminster Choir. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its unique musical style and thematic content. The first movement, entitled "Kedushah," is a setting of the Hebrew text from the Jewish prayer service. The music is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and intricate counterpoint. The choral writing is dense and complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a highly contrapuntal manner. The movement builds to a powerful climax, with the choir and orchestra coming together in a grand statement of praise. The second movement, "Tehiru," is a setting of a text from the Book of Isaiah. The music is more introspective and contemplative than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more lyrical melodies. The choral writing is still complex, but the harmonies are more tonal and less modal than in the first movement. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful resolution. The final movement, "Kaddish," is a setting of the Jewish prayer for the dead. The music is somber and mournful, with a slow tempo and a sense of deep sadness. The choral writing is again complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a highly contrapuntal manner. The movement builds to a powerful climax, with the choir and orchestra coming together in a grand statement of mourning. Overall, Avodath Hakodesh is a powerful and deeply spiritual work that reflects Bloch's Jewish heritage and his deep connection to the Jewish faith. The music is highly complex and demanding, requiring a skilled choir and orchestra to bring it to life. The work has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is widely regarded as one of Bloch's greatest achievements.

More....